With Florida's unpredict-
able climate and sometimes
treacherous weather, citrus-
growers are constantly look-
ing for better, more efficient
ways to harvest crops.
Jackie Burns often comes
to their rescue.
Burns, an IFAS professor
of horticulture, tries to make
mechanical citrus harvesting
more efficient by studying
harvest and post-harvest
physiology.
'p 1 .I. Burns devel-
ops and studies the use of
abscission agents or compounds that help loosen mature fruit
from trees.
"Spraying trees with an abscission agent a few days before
harvest loosens mature fruit and makes harvesting faster and
easier," Burns says.
Burns and her research team are currently working on three
promising abscission agents that must meet the requirements of
being non-toxic, selective, cost-effective and environmentally
safe.
The selectivity of the abscission agent is especially important
on trees that have young, developing fruit and mature fruit at
the same time.
"Removing too much of the developing fruit with a mechani-
cal harvester decreases the next season's yield," Burns says.
"Loosening only mature fruit will allow machines to gently
harvest trees, preserving next year's crop."'
Abscission agents will also allow machines to harvest faster
because mature fruit will be loose, and consequently less ma-
chine time is needed for each tree.

JIM JONES
Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering
College of Engineering

Any crop grower knows
that climate can make
or break a season's yield.
Climate variability creates
a lot of uncertainty in crop
production, not to mention
economic risks to producers.
James Jones, a profes-
sor in the Department of
Agricultural and Biologi-
cal Engineering, develops
computer models that seek
to understand the interaction
between climate crops, soil
and management.
"We use the models to
help identify management practices that reduce those risks and
optimize management for specific soils and anticipated climate
conditions,";' Jones says.
In the longer term, Jones says global climate change could
have major consequences for agricultural production.
"Models that Jim and his colleagues have developed are
widely used by researchers in more than 50 countries, and are
recognized as the pioneering effort of their kind in cropping
systems research," says Wendy Graham, chair of the Department
of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.
Jones and his team have developed models for soybean, pea-
nuts, dry beans, tomatoes and cotton.
"We use these same biophysical models to study how farming
might need to change under new climate conditions'," Jones says.
Jones also has developed a research program in West Africa
that could potentially increase soil carbon content, and increase
productivity on degraded soils in that part of the world.

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION 9

JONATHAN DAY& LYNN SOLLENBERGER

JONATHAN DAY
DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY AND NEMATOLOGY
IFAS

Florida is the only state
in the U.S. that reports
consistent annual outbreaks
of mosquito-borne encepha-
litis viruses. The more than
12,000 United States cases of
West Nile in 2002-03 show
how threatening the virus
can be.
Jonathan Day's research is
the basis for the Florida mos-
e quito disease surveillance
program which tracks en-
cephalitis viruses in Florida,
and gives citizens advanced
warnings of outbreaks.
"I've always been interested in ecology and natural history;'
says Day, a medical entomologist and ecologist. "When it came
time to select a Ph.D. program, I chose medical entomology
dealing with mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease."
Day's research includes tracking vector populations, predict-
ing endemic and epidemic disease transmission, and creating
human and domestic animal transmission risk maps.
He says predicting mosquito-borne epidemics is very much
like detective work.
"It is really intriguing to see the environmental conditions
that are conducive to an epidemic line-up in early spring, and
then make a prediction to the residents of Florida'," Day says.
"We can then sit back and hope we were correct."

ACADEMIC STATS:
Ph.D. in medical entomology from the University of
Massachusetts at Amherst, 1981.
AFFILIATED WITH UF SINCE: 1982
HOME PAGE: entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/day.htm

LYNN SOLLENBERGER
INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

In the world of environ-
mental habitats, grasslands
play an important role as
wetlands, groundwater re-
charge areas, wildlife habitats
and sources of nutrients for
animals.
Lynn Sollenberger, a
professor of agronomy in the
Institute of Food and Agri-
cultural Sciences, researches
ways to develop and test
strategies for managing and
preserving these grasslands,
so they can continue to carry
out their vital functions.
"Dr. Sollenberger leads a very productive research program
that focuses on sustainability and the environmental impact
of forage-livestock systems,";' says Jerry Bennett, chair of the
agronomy department.
Sollenberger says that efficient use of nutrients is a key to his
studies in grassland management.
"If applied in excess, nutrients can have a negative impact on
the environment and ground water quality,";' he says.
Sollenberger and his team conduct work on natural grass-
lands and farmers' fields, in many cases in the Suwannee River
watershed. Their studies have helped to educate farmers on the
best sequence of crops and the most appropriate fertilization
strategies for growing nutritious or commercially valuable crops,
while sustaining the environment.

ACADEMIC STATS:
Ph.D. in agronomy from the University of Florida,1985
AFFILIATED WITH UF SINCE: 1985

10 I 2004ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTforthe FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

PK NAIR & RANDY PLOETZ

RAMACHANDRAN PK NAIR
School of Forest Resources and Conservation

When P.K. Nair arrived
in Gainesville in 1987, he
noticed that UF lacked a
program in his specialty of
.h,.,, agroforestry. Nair, a pioneer
. and professor of agroforestry,
quickly solved the problem
by putting together an inter-
disciplinary program within
the School of Resources and
Conservation.
Agroforestry is a relatively
new approach to land man-
agement that addresses prob-
lems caused by traditional
agriculture and forestry
production systems. Agroforestry practices in North America
include windbreaks, riparian forest buffers, alley cropping, silvo-
pasture and forest farming in sustainable agricultural systems.
"Our work has had *..! i. ilII impact in enhancing the pro-
ductivity and sustainability of smallholder farming systems in
the tropics," Nair says.
Nair's research also impacts developing countries in Africa,
Asia and Latin America, where he helps farmers overcome land
management obstacles like poor soil fertility, low productive
capacity of soils and high cost of fertilizers.
"Because of his work, developing countries no longer need
make the difficult choice between growing food or growing fi-
ber," says Ann Camp, chair of the Society of American Foresters
Science and Technology Board. "With agroforestry, both can be
accomplished on the same piece of i-..i i '
Nair says many of the systems he tackles contain only one
cultivated species in a field at a time, like corn fields, soybean
fields, pine tree stands
"We are making basic household needs such as food, fodder
for animals, and fuelwood available by growing them on the
same unit of land at the same time in an integrated manner,;'
Nair says.

Bananas, avocados and
mangos grow prevalently
in South Florida, are also
vulnerable to a number of
agricultural diseases.
SRandy Ploetz is an author-
ity on diseases that affect
r" i -. tropical and subtropical fruit
t a d crops, and his goal is to man-
*f age them in an effective and
environmentally-benign way.
"South Florida is the only
region in the continental
United States where many of
these crops are grown, and
there is limited informa-
tion for many of the prevalent tropical diseases and pathogens;'
Ploetz says.
Ploetz's research includes the development of root rot-resis-
tant avocado rootstocks, an explanation for mango decline, and
fundamental insight into Panama disease which affects banana
plants.
"Panama disease has been described as one of the six most
destructive plant diseases in history,";' Ploetz says. "It caused
estimated losses of several billion dollars in the 20l century, and
is the most important production constraint in South Florida."
Ploetz's research will help develop disease-resistant genotypes
of banana and has already been used widely when deploying
new cultivars.

14 | 2004ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

PROJECT NO.
REA-00008
REA-03783
REA-04080

REA-04079
REA-04080

REA-04081

REA-04106
REA-04130
REA-04132
REA-04133
REA-04134
REA-04135
REA-04142

REA-04148
REA-04149

RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION

RESEARCH GRANTS

FACULTY TITLE SOURCE OF FUNDS AMOUNT

Duryea, M L.
Jones, R.L.
Jones, R.L.
Jones, R.L.
Neilson, J.T.

Neilson, J.T.

Turfgrass Research
Support of Various Breeding Programs.
Acquisition of Research Support Service s
Southern Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors
Tropical and SubtropicalAgricultural Research-Caribbean Manage-
ment Grant
Tropical Subtropical Agricultural Research Gant.

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 1 5

$277,569
$100,000
$37,438
$181,151
$175,183

$210,268

UNIVERSITY OF
LORIDA
IFAS
Florida Agricultural Experiment Station

2004 Campus Research Programs

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 17

Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE) links the engi-
neering sciences to the life sciences to produce food, feed, fiber
and other products from renewable bio-resources. It also aims to
enhance the productivity of agricultural and biological systems
while protecting the environment and conserving and replenishing
our natural resources. Florida's agricultural industry is one of the
largest and most diverse in the nation, and requires a broad, inter-
disciplinary research approach if it is to continue to prosper as the
population swells and natural resources become more limited. Over
30 faculty members, located both on the UF campus in Gainesville
and at several UF-IFAS Research and Education Centers throughout
Florida, participate as members of interdisciplinary teams working
with state, national and international agricultural, water manage-
ment and environmental protection agencies, as well as the UF-IFAS
Space Agricultural and Biotechnology Research and Education
(SABRE) Center located at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and the
NASA Environmental Systems Commercial Space Technology Cen-
ter (ESCST) located at UF in Gainesville.
The department's research program includes the following four
main areas.
Bioprocess and Food Engineering includes post-harvest engi-
neering for seafood, fruits and vegetables; process microbiology;
heat and mass transfer in biological systems; thermal processing
of food, packaging technology, space biotechnology and recycling
systems. Current research includes a study on the International
Space Station of the effects of light and gravity on plant form. The
model plant Arabidopsis will be used to study how plants grow
towards or away from light in various gravitational accelerations and
the roles of the photoreceptors in both the gravity and light induced
responses. These fundamental studies will help in the development
of procedures for growing plants on the moon or mars where gravity
is reduced. Plants will play a vital role in human space exploration
for food supplies, atmospheric purification, waste treatment, and
psychological benefits.
Information Systems research is directed towards electronic
communication technology, with special emphasis on safety and
energy; mathematical modeling over a broad range of plant and
animal systems; knowledge-based decision support systems, weather
information, climate change analysis and remote sensing. Current

research includes integration of dynamic crop models with hydrol-
ogy models for analyzing and optimizing the management practices
relative to crop production and water quality associated with nutri-
ent leaching. Research is also being conducted to link crop models
with climate forecasts to better understand climate-related risks to
production and how to reduce economic risk to producers.
Agricultural Production Engineering includes machine systems
analysis and design, robotics, aquacultural production systems,
safety, design and analysis of agricultural structures and their envi-
ronment, systems automation and management. Research projects
are focusing on using machine vision, image processing and pattern
classification technologies to develop an automatic system for early
detection of diseases in citrus groves, and the development of a
robotic system for harvesting citrus including the potential develop-
ment of new tree architectures and grove management practices for
optimizing the robotic workspace. Progress continues on develop-
ment of the Robotic Greenhouse Sprayer, which can autonomously
navigate through a greenhouse applying chemicals at uniform
application rates, to address producer concerns over worker safety,
environmental impacts, and economic cost associated with manual
application of pesticides and fungicides.
Land and Water Resources Engineering encompasses design
and analysis of irrigation and drainage systems, developing method-
ologies to predict and reduce non-point pollution from agricultural
watersheds, analysis and modeling of surface and groundwater
hydrology, as well as water reuse and waste management. Current
research includes the use of sensor-based control of irrigation to
increase the efficiency of residential and commercial irrigation,
resulting in a decrease in total water usage in Florida. Irrigation cur-
rently accounts for 50% to 70% of an average household's total water
usage. The sensor-based system would deliver enough water to meet
landscape needs, but prevent irrigation from occurring if adequate
moisture is detected in the soil.

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 19

SIGNIFICANCE: Lake Okeechobee is a large, multifunctional lake
located at the center of the Kissimmee-Okeechobee-
Everglades aquatic ecosystem. The lake provides regional flood
protection, water supply for agricultural, urban and natural areas,
and is a critical habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife, includ-
ing the federally endangered Everglades Snail Kite. The 1997
Lake Okeechobee Surface Water Improvement and Management
(SWIM) Plan found that excessive phosphorus loading is one of
the most serious problems facing the lake. Frequent algal blooms,
detrimental changes in biological communities, and impaired
use of the water resources are among the documented adverse
effects of excessive phosphorus loading. Concentrations of total
phosphorus in the lake water are more than two-fold higher than
the goal of 40 parts per billion (ppb), which is the concentration
identified by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(FDEP) to prevent an imbalance to the lake flora and fauna.
Lake Okeechobee is listed under section 303(d) of the Clean
Water Act as a Florida impaired water body limited primarily
by phosphorus, and is the first water body in Florida for which a
TMDL is being established. Recently, the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (FDEP) began rulemaking to set the
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) at 140 metric tons/year of
phosphorus into the lake in order to achieve the 40 ppb goal for
in-lake P concentrations. However, over the last 5 years annual P
loads from the lake watershed have averaged 584 metric tons, well
above the recommended TMDL. Runoff from dairies and cow-calf
operations is considered to be the primary source of external
phosphorus loading to the Lake Okeechobee.
RATIONALE: Currently phosphorus concentrations in soil and
vegetation samples obtained from throughout the watershed are
measured using standard laboratory analysis procedures, which
are very time consuming, costly and labor intensive. We propose
to develop a novel technique for cost-effective P detection in soils
and vegetation using reflectance spectroscopy. If successful, this
technique will greatly decrease the time and labor requirement for
monitoring P-levels in terrestrial ecosystems and will provide real-
time sensing ability for identifying problem areas ("hot-spots").
Impact: The proposed P-sensing system will facilitate the inex-
pensive and timely identification of "hot-spots" throughout the
Lake Okeechobee drainage basin. The identification of "hot-spots"
could then be used to better assess the effectiveness of best man-
agement practices or remediation alternatives for reducing P loads
to the Lake Okeechobee. In order to apply the results in a large
scale area, hyperspectral images (Figure 1) were obtained using
a Queen Air Twin engine aircraft modified for sensor operation
with a hyperspectral imaging system (AISA+, Specim, Spectral
Imaging Ltd.) in conjunction with a GPS/INS unit and data
acquisition system for representative sites in the Lake Okeechobee
drainage basin. Image radiance measurement was converted to
reflectance by measuring and correlating the water and lime rock
hyperspectral ground reflectance data to image data. Spectral
angle mapper classification and spectral feature fitting was used
for P analysis in images. Spectral libraries from both ground and

image data were prepared and used for spectral analysis.
The sensing system in conjunction with a Differential Global
Positioning System (DGPS) can be used to produce P concen-
tration map of target area in the Lake Okeechobee drainage
basin (Figure 2). The proposed P sensing system measures the
reflectance of soil sample, determines the location with a DGPS
receiver, and looks for the soil signature in database related to that
location, and finally calculates P concentration using the tech-
nique developed by Bogrekci and Lee in 2004.
Two spectral measurement sensor systems were specified and
designed. Using VIS-NIR spectroscopy for the determination of
P concentration is limited in terms of sensitivity and accuracy
with an RMSE of 17% to produce a commercial sensor. Therefore,
two different methods were used to measure P concentrations
using infrared properties of soil samples. These two systems are
currently being assembled and after laboratory calibration, sensors
will be recalibrated in field conditions and tested for evaluation by
selecting high and low P concentration sites.
COLLABORATORS: Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Department: Ismail Bogrekci, Tom Burks, and Jack Jordan. Me-
chanical and Aerospace Engineering Department: John Schueller.
Agronomy Department: Johannes Scholberg. Soil and Water Sci-
ence Department: Rao Mylavarapu and John White.
Figure 1. Hyperspectral image and spectral signature of vegeta-
tion (left bottom corner) in a dairy farm in the Lake Okeechobee
drainage basin.
Figure 2. Actual (left) and predicted (right) Mehlichl P concen-
tration for soil in a dairy farm in the Lake Okeechobee drainage
basin.

lopment and Use of Crop Models for Selected Florida Crops
rmination of Indicators of Ecological Change
ems for Controlling Air Pollutant Emissions and Indoor Environments of Poultry, Swine
Dairy Facilities
movement of Thermal and Alternative Processes for Foods
and Mass Transfer in Biological Systems
training the Competitiveness of Tree Fruit Production Through Precision Agriculture

a[ Manure and Waster Utilization, Treatment and Nuisance Avoidance for a Sustainable
culture
lopment and Evaluation ofTMDL Planning and AssessmentTools and Processes

The vision of the Department of Agricultural Education and
Communication is to lead in developing and strengthening educa-
tors, communicators, and leaders to meet society's challenges in ag-
riculture and natural resources. The mission of the department is to
serve society through the land-grant mission of teaching, research,
and extension in agriculture and natural resources by enhancing
leadership in communities and organizations, education in formal
and nonformal settings, and communication of ideas and issues. The
four programmatic dimensions of the department include educa-
tion, communication, leadership, and extension within an agricul-
ture and natural resources context.
Primary constituent groups include school-based agriscience
teachers, extension educators who conduct educational programs
through the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, professional
agricultural communicators, and specialists in agribusiness, com-
munity, and governmental agencies who serve in leadership, educa-
tion, and/or communication/public relations capacities. The applied
nature of research in the department suggests a strong connection
between faculty-led research projects and practice in these profes-
sional arenas.
Current research projects may be grouped into the areas of
critical and creative thinking, media relations, distance education

strategies and technologies, teaching and learning strategies and
methods, youth leadership development, educator preparation and
professional development, leadership and change, and program
evaluation. Research priorities reflect state, regional, and national
needs and emerge from periodic discussions with key stakeholder
groups. The following studies illustrate the types of projects cur-
rently under investigation as a part of our complementary to those
supported by the Florida Experiment Station: Grassroots Leadership
in the Florida Farm Bureau, Media Relations Knowledge and Skills
of Agricultural Scientists, Motivation and Attrition in Distance
Education Courses, Content Analysis of Biotechnology Coverage
in the News Media, Effects of Inquiry-Based Teaching Methods in
Laboratory Settings, The Influence on Family and Community on
Student Achievement, Evaluation of a Food Science Curriculum
Based Upon Good Agricultural Practices, Community Viability and
Leadership, the Role of Extension in the Adoption of Technologies
by Beef Producers, Leadership and Life Skill Development of Col-
lege of Agriculture Students, and Challenges in Teaching Agriculture
in Urban Settings.

2004 Annual Research Report
for the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION & COMMUNICATION

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

THE INFLUENCE OF LEARNING STYLE ON COGNITIVE
PROCESS SKILL DEVELOPMENT
BY JIM DYER

SIGNIFICANCE: Helping students to become successful learners
is a goal of virtually every educator. Whereas many people view
academic success through achievement scores, those who hire
college graduates tend to take a more fundamental approach to
success and view it as the ability of students to think critically and
solve problems in a multitude of situations.
In almost every list of teaching objectives it is possible to find
statements affirming the intention of teachers to develop in their
students the ability to gather and process information efficiently
and accurately. However, teaching faculty share a common goal:
To develop in students those complex mental operations (cogni-
tive abilities) that promote success in the classroom and in their
personal lives. The capacity to inquire, analyze, think critically,
and solve problems is central to our concept of a successful educa-
tion. However, in spite of our repeated affirmation of the impor-
tance of teaching students to learn by thinking for themselves, the
processes involved in addressing individual differences in students
are some of the least emphasized activities in classroom instruc-
tion. As a result, students often enroll in classes and major in
subject areas where they are likely to experience little success.
Students are much different today than they were before a
majority of today's faculty began their teaching careers. While not
surprising, both educators and the general public sometimes take
this phenomenon for granted. Whereas educating the masses was
once a straightforward understanding that those who know, teach,
and those who do not know, learn; the process of teaching and
learning seems to have evolved into a more complicated process.
Faculty and students learn differently. Entering college fresh-
men tend to exhibit learning styles that are concrete, active
patterns. Faculty, on the other hand, tend to reflect a preferred
learning pattern in the abstract, reflective realm. This divergence
in learning styles becomes more complex when other factors such
as critical thinking and problem solving skills are introduced to
the mix. Unfortunately, research that recognizes and addresses
the learning differences and needs of individual students is still in
its adolescent stage. As such, there is much that we do not know
about how students perceive and process information and then
use that information to think through the solution of a problem.
Expert-novice research leads us to believe that thinking patterns
can be changed; however, that change may only be a reflection
that those who did not develop problem solving skills failed to
become experts. If we are to be successful in increasing the ability
of all students to think critically and solve problems, a broader
understanding of how to connect with students of all learning
styles must be attained.
RATIONALE: Whereas faculty members are generally abstract
reflective learners who favor teaching in a style that is thoughtful,
introspective, scholarly, and promotes learning for its inherent val-
ue, students often need structure in their learning processes. Some
learning styles are more dependent upon this teacher-intervention
than others. It is postulated that these students are most effective
at learning when active learning processes are in place that cause
students to critically think and solve problems.

Cognitive or learning style is defined as the way each person
perceives, sorts, absorbs, processes, and retains information.
Critical thinking has been defined as true higher order think-
ing that allows a person to ask appropriate questions in order to
gauge a reflective, responsible, and reasonable response to a given
situation. As such, students are neither born with the ability to
think critically, nor do they acquire it naturally as they go through
life. Rather, it is a process whereby the skill of thinking is one
that must be taught. Cognitive process skills are those specific
and macro thinking skills that are involved in the perception and
processing of information through higher order thinking and
problem solving skills. They include such processes as analyz-
ing, decision making, critical thinking, problem solving, and
evaluation. However, not all students (nor instructors) perceive
and process information in the same way. This complicates the
instructional process and forces instructors to use a myriad of
teaching strategies, methods, and techniques to develop these
skills in students. The question remains, however, as to which (if
any) of these strategies, methods, and/or techniques assist the
learner in developing problem solving skills. Likewise, the influ-
ence of individual learning styles upon this process is not known.
The purpose of this research is to identify those variables that
influence cognitive process skill (CPS) development. Secondary
purposes include determining the role of cognitive (learning)
styles in CPS development and identifying educational strategies
that enhance CPS development across educational areas of interest
and learning styles.
IMPACT: The major impact of this project lies in enhancing the
ability of students to think critically and solve problems. In doing
so, learners should be able to better utilize instruction, thereby
maximizing learning for all students and providing the agricul-
tural industry with better-prepared personnel.
'. d!. il ,II. an evaluation instrument is being developed in
this project whereby instructors may evaluate their courses and
instructional strategies to determine the level of problem solv-
ing/critical thinking being taught in a course. Administrators and
faculty alike will be able to identify courses that are producing
desired changes in cognitive process skills.

Another impact to colleges should be the improved identifica-
tion and retention of students who are likely to be successful in
attaining a degree. Each year colleges of agriculture and natural
resources nationwide spend millions of dollars educating students
who later change their minds about a career in agriculture and
drop out of educational programs, often negating the invest-
ment that the college and university has made in those students.

TITLE

Edward W. Osborne

Larry R. Arrington

Cheri Broduer

Hannah S. Carter

Jimmy G. Cheek

James E. Dyer

Marta M. Hartmann

Tracy A. Irani

Glenn D. Israel

MarkJ. Kistler

Howard W. Ladewig

Brian E. Myers

Lacy Park

NickT. Place

RickW. Rudd

RickyW. TeIg

Bryan Terry

Pete Vergot

Shannon Washburn

If students' proclivity toward using cognitive process skills is
mismatched with the CPS level required by their respective area of
study, remedial courses may be prescribed or the student may be
counseled to consider another major where they are more likely to
experience success at an early point in their academic career.
COLLABORATORS: None (individual project)

SPECIALTY

Chair and Prof.

Dean

Infor. Coord./Pub. Serv.

Lecturer

Dean

Asst. Prof.

Lecturer

Asst. Prof.

Prof.

Asst. Prof.

Prof.

Asst. Prof.

Coord/Acad Support Service

Assoc. Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Coord./Statistical Research

Assoc. Prof. and Dist. Ext. Dir.

Asst. Prof.

TEACHING RESEARCH EXTENSION

Teaching Methods/Agriscience Instruction

Extension

Extension

Leadership

Academic Programs

Teach ing/Learn in g Strategies

Multicultural Education

Consumer Perceptions/Communications
Technology
Evaluation Methods

Extension Education

Adoption/Diffusion ofAgricultural Technology

Education Strategies

Academic Programs

Extension Education/Professional Development

Leaders hip/Critical Thinking

Media Relations/Distance Education

Extension

Extension

Educational Strategies/Youth Development

65 5 30

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 29

FACULTY & STAFF

FACULTY

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION & COMMUNICATION

RESEARCH PROJECTS

TITLE
Factors Influencing Public Perceptions of Agricultural Biotechnology: Developing a Model to
Predict Consumer Acceptance of GMO Foods
The Influence of Social Capital on Education and Technology Transfer Outcomes
The Influence of Learning Styles in Cognitive Process Skill Development
The Influence of Family, School and Community Social Capital on Early Childhood Educational
Outcomes of Rura[Youth
Reduction of Error in Rural and Agricultural Surveys

PUBLICATIONS

Beaulieu, L. and G. Israel. 2004. Its More than Just Schools: How Families and
Communities Promote Student Achievement. The Role of Education: Promoting
the Economic and Social Vitality of Rural America. pp. 44-55.
Colvin, J., S. Fraze, J. Smith and M. Kistler. 2004. Perceptions of Secondary
Principals in Texas Concerning Leadership Skills Attained Through Membership
and Participation in the FFA Program. Journal of Southern Agricultural Education
Research. 54(1):244-255.
Grantham, S. and T. Irani. 2004. Watching Your Language: Translating Science
Based Research for Public Consumption. Journal of Applied Communications.
88(1):43-51.
Gregg, A. and T. Irani. 2004. Use of Information Technology by County Extension
Agents of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Journal of Extension.
Irani, T. and R. Telg. 2004. Personality Type and its Relationship to Distance
Education Students' Course Perceptions and Performance. Quarterly Review of
Distance Education. 4(4):445-455.
Israel, G. 2004. Enhancing the Rural Souths Quality of Life: Leveraging
Development Through Educational Institutions. Southern Rural Sociology. 20(1).
Israel, G. and L. Beaulieu. 2004. Investing in Communities: Social Capital's Role
in Keeping Youth in School. Journal of the Community Development Society.
34(2):35-57.
Israel, G. and L. Beaulieu. 2004. Laying the Foundation for Employment: The
Role of Social Capital in Educational Achievement. The Review of Regional
Studies. 34(3).
Kistler, M. and G. Briers. 2004. Change in Knowledge and Practices as a Result
of Adults' Participation in the Texas A&M Ranch to Rail Program. Journal of
Southern Agricultural Education Research. 53(1):227-238.
Larsen, W. and R. Mills. 2004. Just another test. Test of Journal Trade.
Lundy, L. and T. Irani. 2004. Framing Biotechnology: A Comparison of U.S. and
British Newspapers. Journal of Applied Communications. 8(2):41-49.
Lundy, L., T. Irani, R. Turner, S. Percival and B. Mcpherson. 2004. GNC
University: A Case Study in Partnering Business and Education Through Distance
Learning. Journal of Applied Communications. 88(2):51-60.
Myers, B. 2004. Incorporating Science, Math, and Reading into the Agriculture
Classroom: The Role of the Laboratory. The Agricultural Education Magazine.
Myers, B. 2004. Where Have All the Ag Teachers Gone? The Agricultural
Education Magazine. 72(5).
Myers, B. and J. Dyer. 2004. A Comparison of the Attitudes and Perceptions
of University Faculty and Administrators Toward Advising Undergraduate
and Graduate Students and Student Organizations. American Association for
Agricultural Education Annual Meeting.

Smith, J., M. Kistler, K. Williams, W. Edmiston and M. Baker. 2004.
Relationships between Selected Demographic Characteristics and the Quality of
Life of Adolescents in a Rural West Texas Community. Journal of Agricultural
Education. 45(4):71-81.
Terry, B. and G. Israel. 2004. Agent Performance and Customer Satisfaction.
Journal of Extension. 42(6).
Warner, W. and S. Washburn. 2004. Building Community and Administrative
Support Through Professionalism. The Agricultural Education Magazine.
76(5):38511

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AMOUNT

The Influence of Family, School and Community Social Capitalon U.S. Dept. ofAgriculture
Early Childhood Educational Outcomes of RuralYouth

103,000

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 31

The mission of the Agronomy Department is to discover, develop,
evaluate and disseminate knowledge and information necessary to
support the agronomic-related industries of the State and nation,
and to promote and enhance the production and utilization of
agronomic commodities and the management of pest plant species
for the benefit of society.
The Agronomy Department's research mission is accomplished
through state-wide programs conducted by faculty members located
on the Gainesville campus throughout a network of UF/IFAS Re-
search and Education Centers across the State. Research programs of
the Department are programmatically organized into the following
four areas:
GENETICS PROGRAM AREA: The strength of the Genetics Program
Area has been in traditional, applied breeding programs to develop
improved cultivars of forages, legumes, sugarcane and small grains.
Forage and field crop scientists in the Department have released
crop cultivars since 1988. Molecular biology programs are now mak-
ing .i.. ii ., contributions to the more traditional forage, peanut,
and sugarcane breeding programs.
MANAGEMENT AND NUTRITION PROGRAM AREA: National and
international strengths in this program include forage evaluation,
management, and utilization; diversified row crop and forage man-
agement; conservation tillage, multiple-cropping systems; utiliza-
tion of urban and agricultural wastes as nutrient sources for crop
production; and alternative crop plants. Emphasis has recently been
placed on environmental impacts of forage production practices.
Management recommendations have been developed that facilitate
increased efficiency of nutrient cycling in grazed pastures and use of

dairy wastes for production of forage crops while minimizing envi-
ronmental impacts. For field crops, an important strength has been
the presence of a highly diversified crop management team that
possesses expertise in cultivation practices of numerous crop plants
including peanut, cotton, tobacco, corn, small grains, soybean,
sugarcane and rice.
WEED SCIENCE PROGRAM AREA: Weed scientists in the Depart-
ment have developed, evaluated and implemented weed manage-
ment strategies for terrestrial and aquatic weeds in temperate,
subtropical and tropical environments. Current strengths include
biology, molecular genetics, and physiology of weed species; aquatic
and invasive plant research and management; weed management
strategies for southeastern cropping systems; weed/crop interference
mechanisms; computer decision modeling; wetland mitigation; and
pasture, rangeland and noncrop weed management systems.
PHYSIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY PROGRAM AREA: Traditional
strengths have been documenting and understanding the physiology
of crops at the leaf, whole plant and crop canopy levels, particularly
in response to global climate change factors and other environ-
mental factors, and development of computer simulations of crop
growth, development, and yield. '~'i 1 ii contributions include
documenting crop responses to rising carbon dioxide and climate
change factors and development of crop simulation growth models
for grain legumes that incorporate physiological mechanisms and
allow assessment of hypothetical responses to climate change, crop
management and genetic improvement.

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 33

2004 Annual Research Report
for the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

AGRONOMY

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

PEANUT GENOMICS
BY MARIA GALLO-MEAGHER

SIGNIFICANCE: Cultivated peanut, also known as groundnut
(Arachis hypogaea L.), is grown on 25.5 million hectares between
latitudes 40 N and 40 S with a total global production of 35 mil-
lion tons. It is both a major food crop and one of the top oilseed
crops produced in the world. Peanut offers numerous human
health benefits. Peanut seed is high in oil (40%-55%), but it con-
tains mostly unsaturated fat, which has been shown to lower LDL-
cholesterol levels in the blood. Additionally, genetic mutants have
been discovered that contain a very high proportion of desirable
mono-unsaturated fatty acids. All of these "high oleic" varieties
which were developed by the University of Florida have about 80%
oleic (18:1) fatty acid content with approximately 2%-4% linoleic
and 4%-6% palmitic (16:0) fatty acids in the oil of the seed. These
seed, and products produced from them, have greatly improved
shelf-life in addition to their health benefits, as compared to other
peanut varieties with "normal" oil chemistry. Peanut also contains
resveratrol which leads to improved cardiovascular health, as well
as fiber that reduces the risk of certain types of cancer, and con-
trols blood sugar levels. In addition, peanut also is a good source
of folic acid which helps prevent neural tube defects; and contains
nearly half of the 13 essential vitamins and 35 percent of the es-
sential minerals. Because of its high nutritional value, the peanut
is being widely investigated as a key food source for astronauts
during extended space missions.
However, peanut can also be allergenic to a subset of the
population. Over 600,000 American children have a peanut
allergy and the number affected appears to be growing. Peanut
allergic individuals may experience symptoms ranging from mild
urticaria, facial swelling, and abdominal cramps to hypertension
with anaphylactic shock. While children outgrow other allergies,
an allergy to peanuts is considered life-long in most cases.
RATIONALE: Genomics is the study of the total hereditary mate-
rial (the genome or complete DNA sequence) of an organism
(structural genomics), the transcription of genes into RNA (tran-
scriptomics), the translation of RNA into proteins (proteomics),
and the synthesis of metabolic compounds (metabolomics).
Furthermore, to fully understand the function of genes, compara-
tive genomics involves comparing the genomes of two or more
organisms for the purpose of identifying conserved functional
sequences.
Genomics accelerates the discovery of improved traits such as
higher yield, disease and pest resistance, tolerance to plant stresses

such as drought, and value-added traits such as increased nutri-
tional value. Genomics provides essential tools to fully understand
the molecular and metabolic basis of the synthesis of crucial
compounds, to manipulate their content in various organs, and to
better manipulate interactions between the plant's genetic makeup
and its environment. It also facilitates the introduction of these
traits into new crop varieties.
Unlike other major crops, few basic tools utilized in genom-
ics are available for peanut. To date, peanut represents, at the
molecular level, an under-explored section of the large and diverse
legume family. As an early and essential component of a peanut
genomics toolkit, cDNA libraries and expressed sequence tag
(EST) resources that sample gene expression during peanut repro-
ductive development from major organs including flowers, pegs,
and seed, are in development. The data gathered will be instru-
mental in peanut gene discovery and utilization.
IMPACT: Peanut has been designated by the US Legume Ge-
nome Initiative as one of four focal legumes (along with soybean,
common bean, and alfalfa) for which more molecular tools and
basic knowledge are needed in order to benefit the legume and
plant scientific communities. Peanut genomics will enhance links
with the current genomics efforts underway in the model legume
Medicago trunculata, as well as Arabidopsis and other botanical
models. Therefore, new information about the peanut genome
will '.oIl, .,11 contribute to and advance our understanding
of the function, structure, and evolution of legume genomes. The
practical outcome will be advancement in peanut improvement
including future peanut varieties that keep farmers competitive
with higher yields and more desirable protein and oil content, and
reduced allergenicity.
COLLABORATORS: William G. Farmerie, UF/ICBR, Robert J.
Ferl, UF/IFAS, Daniel W Gorbet, UF/IFAS, Andrew Patterson,
University of Georgia, Barry Tillman, UF/IFAS.

Dr. Maria Gallo-Meagher

34 I 2004ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTforthe FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

TITLE
Drought Tolerance of N2 Fixation in Relationship to Yield, Genetic Diversity, and Germplasm
Development
Evaluation of Forage Germ plasm and Forage Management Practices
Selection and Adaptation of Grass and Legume Species for Forage Production in the Southern
Coastal Plain and Peninsular Florida
Manipulation ofVegetative Reproduction as a Means of PerennialWeed Management
Conservation Tillage Multiple Cropping Management Strategies for Greater Sustainability
Integrative Use of Perennial Peanut for Cost-Effective Weed Control in Organic
Citrus.
Improved Use of Crop Nutrient Interception Capacity for Groundwater Protection
Verification of Interim BMP's for Nitrogen Fertilization of Hayfields
within the Suwannee River Water Management District
Effects of Management Practices on Pests, Pathogens, and Beneficials in Soil Ecosystems

Assessment of the Growth, Dispersal, and Impacts of Invasive, Non-native Plants in Florida's
Natural Areas
Dissection of Trait Components and Molecular Improvement of Grasses through Genetic
Engineering
Genetic Improvement of Forage Grass and Legume Species
Improved Resource management for Profitableand Environmentally Sound Integrated
Cropping Systems
Genetic Diversity and Domestication of Forage Legumes for the Subtropics and Tropics
Molecular Improvement of Physiological Traits Defining Environmental Adaptation of Tropical
Forage Grass Production
Evaluation of New Herbicides for Aquatic and Wetland Weed Control
Peanut Breeding and Genetics
Plant Genetic Resources Conservation and Utilization
Development of Sustainable Peanut Production Technologies forAmerindian Villages in the
Rupununi Region of Guyana

39 I 2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

AMOUNT

25,725

40,000

30,000

18,049
100,000

36,483

50,000

40,000

162,601

171,800

299,889

419,580

14,700

166,619

60,000

30,000

99,428

25,000
20,000

55,517

The primary mission of the statewide Animal Sciences program
is to assist the livestock industries of Florida to achieve efficient
production by contributing to the solution of livestock production
problems through research, resident instruction and extension pro-
grams. This mission is accomplished through the cooperative efforts
of the faculties of the Department of Animal Sciences, the Range
Cattle Research and Education Center (Ona), the North Florida Re-
search and Education Center (Marianna), the Subtropical Agricul-
tural Research Station, USDA-ARS (Brooksville) and the sixty-seven
county extension facilities. One integral part of the accomplishment
of this mission is the cooperation and support of people in the live-
stock industries. In addition, personnel from a number of campus
departments cooperate with Animal Sciences faculty members in
program support. The Department of Animal Sciences balanced
research program ranges from basic research in molecular biology
and cloning to applied livestock production research conducted
at cooperator farms. Some research areas of major focus include,
improving bovine embryo survival, improving the efficiency of
dairy and beef production, improving the skeletal development
of the horse through improved nutrition, improving reproductive
efficiency of the horse, developing systems for utilizing by-products

and waste materials in animal production and developing new or
improved meat and poultry products. These major focus areas are
addressed through research in reproductive physiology, nutrition,
animal breeding and genetics, molecular biology, meat and poultry
products and livestock management systems. The Department of
Animal Sciences maintains several research and teaching farms
in the Gainesville area where the animal resources to support the
programs are housed. These include a swine teaching and research
farm and facilities that house sheep, horses and some cattle for short
term research projects on the University of Florida Campus. The
department has four off-campus farms in the Gainesville area. An
1100 acre dairy farm with 600 cows plus replacement heifers pro-
vides resources for the dairy research program. Beef cattle research
facilities include 1200 and 1600 acre beef farms designed to support
individual animal as well as large group research. The Horse Re-
search Center near Ocala is the site that supports the majority of the
equine research conducted by the department. Research conducted
at privately owned horse, dairy and beef farms with cooperating
farm owners is vital to the department's total research effort and is
an extension of the department's research resources.

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 41

2004 Annual Research Report
for the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

ANIMAL SCIENCE

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

THE POTENTIAL USE OF THE SLICK HAIR GENE TO HEAT
STRESS AND INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY OF DAIRY CATTLE IN
WARM CLIMATES

SIGNIFICANCE: Heat stress is responsible for large declines in
pregnancy rates and lowered milk production of dairy cattle dur-
ing hot months throughout much of the United States as well as in
the Caribbean region. Since the summer depression in fertility is
greater for high-producing cows than for low-producing cows, the
continual improvement in milk yield per cow that has occurred
over time and is expected to continue to increase in the future
means that problems of heat stress which are already severe, likely
will be exacerbated in the future. Despite its importance, there are
few effective strategies for reducing the effects of heat stress. The
major strategy, modifying the environment using shade, sprin-
klers, fans, etc., is capital-intensive, not particularly effective, and
is of limited use for many small and medium-sized dairies with
limited opportunity for capital investment and also is not useful
for alternative production systems such as grazing dairies. There
is thus a L. *, ., 11 111 need to develop alternative approaches for
reducing the summer decline in fertility and milk production.
RATIONALE: One alternative approach would be to produce
dairy cattle that are genetically more resistant to heat stress. This
can be done by crosses of Holsteins to Bos indicus (Brahman
or, more likely, milking zebu breeds). This approach effectively
produces heat tolerant cattle but the cost in terms of reduced milk
production and other issues makes this idea unfeasible for Florida
dairies. Another approach is through the use of a major domi-
nant gene (the Slick hair gene) that has recently been identified in
Bos taurus cattle. The effect of the Slick hair gene is to produce a
hair coat that is very short, glossy and has the tactile feeling of a
recently clipped animal. Previous studies have shown that slick-
haired Senepol beef cattle (a Bos taurus breed developed on St.
Criox, U.S. Virgin Islands) are equal in heat tolerance to Brahman
cattle and that slick-haired Senepol F1 crossbreds with temper-
ate breeds such as the Hereford or Angus show heat tolerance
very comparable to those of Brahman and Brahman crossbreds.
Observations on the hair coat types of progeny of Senepol X
Angus and Senepol X Hereford F1 dams mated to temperate breed
sires indicated that they were segregating into two categories, one
group with very short, sleek, hair coats like those of purebred
Senepol and their F crossbreds and one group whose hair coats
were not distinguishable from those of temperate breed cattle. It
was also observed that occasionally Senepol calves were also born
with hair coats like those of temperate cattle. This, coupled with
the fact that the Senepol breeders were able to quickly establish
a uniform, short sleek hair coat within their breed on the vast
majority of the animals, supported the idea that a single, major
gene was responsible for the very short, sleek (Slick) hair coats of
Senepol and other tropically adapted breeds of Bos taurus cattle
such as the Carora of Venezuela and the milking Criollo breeds
of Central and South America. The discovery of slick-haired Hol-
stein cattle in Puerto Rico that likely were upgraded from Criollo
cattle for over 30 years also supported the concept of a major gene
was responsible for this type of hair coat. In more recent years we
have observed the expected ratios of 50% slick to 50% normal-
haired progeny when animals heterozygous for the Slick hair gene
are mated to normal-haired animals.

IMPACT: We have demonstrated that a short, sleek hair coat in
cattle is associated with increased heat tolerance and that such a
hair coat can be produced by the action of a single gene, the Slick
hair gene, which is dominant in mode of inheritance. We have also
observed that Bos taurus cattle with this gene and the type of hair
that it imparts to them are able to maintain rectal temperatures
under heat stress that are approximately 0.5 C lower than those of
genetically similar cattle with normal hair. This difference in rectal
temperature is similar to that observed elsewhere between Bos
indicus and unadapted Bos taurus cattle. This superior thermo-
regulatory ability appears to be the result of the fact that the slick
coat facilitates convective and conductive heat loss and minimizes
absorption of heat by solar radiation. Since the Slick hair gene is
dominant, it is easy to incorporate it into Holstein or other breeds
of dairy cattle through an upgrading procedure (successive crosses
of the Holstein after an initial cross with a Senepol along with
selection each generation for those possessing slick hair). Once
highly upgraded (87.5% or greater) slick-haired Holstein cattle
are produced, they can be mated together to produce a percent-
age of their progeny that are homozygous for the Slick hair gene.
Previously homozygous black Simmental and Limousin cattle
have been developed using these same techniques through the
incorporation of the black gene into these, originally red, breeds.
The salient advantage of the availability of homozygous slick sires
is that such bulls can be mated to normal-haired cows and all the
progeny would be expected to be slick-haired.
An important question that remains to be answered regarding
the Slick hair gene is to determine what is the impact of the greater
heat tolerance (as measured by lowered rectal temperatures) of

Tim Olson

42 I 2004ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

ANIMAL SCIENCE

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

slick-haired cows on fertility and milk production. We have al-
ready demonstrated that young, slick-haired 87.5% Holstein bulls
graze more during the hotter periods of the day and have lower
respiration rates while maintaining lower body temperatures. If
this same effect is expressed in lactating females, it could have
important consequences on their productivity and fertility. It is
likely that the ability to maintain lower temperatures without in-
creasing respiration rates will encourage greater feed consumption
and more productive use of this extra feed in terms of increased
milk production. Also, it has been shown that very early bovine
embryos cannot survive a uterine temperature above 41 C, a tem-
perature often measured in Florida dairy cows under heat stress.
We hope that effect of the Slick hair gene will be sufficient to lower
uterine temperatures enough to allow the survival of the embryos
and thus to increase pregnancy rates during the summer months
in Florida which can be as low as 10%.
Very limited data from a grazing dairy in Puerto Rico demon-
strated a 25% advantage in milk yield for slick-haired Holstein
cows over their normal-haired contemporaries. Apparently slick-
haired cows were willing to graze for additional hours during the
day due to their increased heat tolerance and, therefore, were able
to produce at a higher level. In a much larger study in Venezu-
ela, it has been observed that under mild heat stress (i.e., rectal
temperatures < 40 C) in a near desert environment), Holstein x
Carora crossbred cows (75% Holstein) with slick hair were able
to conceive again about 21 days sooner than did cows of the same
breed composition but with normal hair. This was in spite of the
fact that these same slick-haired cows milked about 1000 kg more
milk than did their normal-haired siblings. These data provide

FACULTY & STAFF

encouragement that beneficial effects of the Slick hair gene will be
of economic importance under the more severe heat stress charac-
teristic of much of the southern United States and the Caribbean
region.
Future Research: While we have a growing quantity of data
indicating a considerable advantage in productivity of slick-haired
animals as compared to their normal-haired contemporaries
in Puerto Rico and Venezuela, we have not yet demonstrated a
similar advantage in Florida. A study is currently underway to
compare the impact of the Slick hair gene on milk yield, fertility
and health traits in 87.5 % Holstein cows at the Dairy Research
Unit and in south Florida at the McArthur Farms Dairy. This
study will replicate one underway in several cooperating dairies in
Puerto Rico.
Also, studies are continuing in collaboration with researchers
from USDA-ARS (STARS) at Brooksville to identify the genomic
location of the Slick hair gene and/or genetic markers for the gene.
A marker would be very useful in the identification of Holstein
cattle that are homozygous for the Slick hair gene.
COLLABORATORS: We have collaborated with researchers
from the Subtropical Agricultural Research Station (STARS),
Brooksville, Florida on the study of the Slick hair gene since the
initial studies of the Senepol breed there. We also have had a
long relationship in the study of this gene and heat tolerance in
general with faculty of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez.
The TSTAR program of the USDA has been instrumental in its
support of this research here in Florida as well as the coopera-
tive studies in Puerto Rico. Funding from the IFAFS program of
USDA also was critical in several aspects of this research.

TITLE
Amino Acid Requirements of Commercial Laying Hens and Broiler Breeder Hens
Use of Molasses-Based Mixtures in Cow-Calf Production Systems
Mineral and Vitamin Supplementation of Ruminants
Improvement of Beef Cattle in Multibreed Populations: Phase III
Synchronization of Estrus in Cattle of Bos Indicus Breeding
The Poultry Food System: A Farm to Table Model
Use of bST, Shortening the Dry Period, and Prepartum Feeding of AnionicSalts to Improve
Milk Production and Health of Dairy Cows
Enhancing Production and Reproductive Performance of Heat-Stressed Dairy Cattle
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Synthesis and Secretion Regulation in Horses
Improving Efficiencies of In-Vitro Embryo Production Technologies in Cattle
Improving Fertility of Heat-Stressed Dairy Cattle

Effect of Oxytocin on the Uterine Oxytocine Prostanoid System in the Peri-Implantation Cow
Manure-derived Components and Their Influence on Long-term Phosphorous Stability in Soils

Assessing Digestibility of CellWall Crude Protein in Tropically Grown Forages for Improved
Livestock Production
Evaluation and Utilization of the Slick Hair Gene in Florida and Caribbean Dairies
Management Systems to Improve the Economic and Environmental Sustainability of Dairy
Enterprises
Influence of Nutrition and Management on Skeletal Development of Growing Horses
Production Systems to Improve the Efficiency and Profitability of Small and Economically
Disadvantaged Livestock Family Farms

Walt Disney World Company
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
Bard (U.S.-IsraelAg. R&D Fund)

FL Beef Council

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
Natl. Institutes of Health
Natl. Institutes of Health
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Dept. ofAgricul. & Consumer Ser.
Florida A&M University

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
Florida A&M University

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION 47

FACULTY

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AMOUNT

124,058

28,000

56,700

50,050
270,000
53,000

39,750

224,224
272,802

89,974
35,000

120,000

53,704

19,444
102,222

72,700

The Department of Entomology and Nematology maintains
tripartite priorities consistent with the mandate given to full-service
land-grant universities and associated experiment stations: research,
extension, and instruction. This Department is unusual in that
about 35 of its 60 faculty are not located on the main campus; rather,
they are located at 10 Research and Education Centers distributed
through the state. This provides an exceptional opportunity to
address the diverse needs of the state and for students to work in
diverse ecological and crop production systems.
Entomology and Nematology offers an undergraduate program
leading to a B.S., and graduate programs leading to M.S. (thesis),
M.S. (nonthesis) and Ph.D. in entomology and nematology. The
Department is one of the largest entomology programs nation-wide,
and one of only a few that offer comprehensive training in Nema-
tology. Besides providing a full complement of regular and special
topics courses needed for degree candidates, the Department offers,
at the undergraduate level, service courses in basic entomology for a
wide range of disciplines. Further, departmental faculty offer courses
that are credited to the Liberal Arts and Sciences undergraduate
honors and general education requirements. The Department also
participates in a new professional degree program, the Doctor of
Plant Medicine
Entomology and Nematology faculty and staff garner over $1
million in extramural and donation support annually for pursuit of

a wide range of research, instruction, and extension activities. These
sources of funding support about 100 graduate students pursu-
ing M.S. and/or Ph.D. degrees. About 30% of all graduate students
are international. This, plus 'I:.il, i.,, collaborative international
research and education efforts, give the department a strong interna-
tional dimension in addition to its domestic mandate.
Molecular, whole organism, and population ecology studies are
included in the range of supported research within Entomology
and Nematology. The USDA, National Science Foundation, various
agrochemical industries, and the State of Florida are among the
donors sponsoring departmental research, extension, and instruc-
tion programs.
The major areas of emphasis include:
Basic Sciences (Behavioral Ecology, Toxicology,
Physiology, and Systematics).
Biological Control
Integrated Pest Management
Medical, Veterinary and Urban Entomology
Nematology
P il1.. Genetics and Biotechnology
For more information, visit the Web site at
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu
John Capinera, Chairman

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION 49

2004 Annual Research Report
for the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

ENTOMOLOGY & NEMATOLOGY

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

NEMATODE MANAGEMENT ON GOLF COURSES

SIGNIFICANCE: The golf industry in Florida generates an
estimated 4.4 billion in annual revenue and employs 73,000
people. Key to the success of a golf courses is an attractive and
healthy turfgrass playing surface. Plant-parasitic nematodes are
recognized by golf course superintendents in Florida as one of the
major limitations to growing healthy turfgrasses in our state. A
survey of 196 fairways and 193 putting greens on 62 golf courses
throughout Florida found potentially damaging numbers of plant-
parasitic nematodes on 87% of the courses surveyed. The most
important nematode species was sting nematode (Belonolaimus
longicaudatus), which was found at damaging numbers on 60% of
Florida golf courses. Feeding by this nematode causes reduction
of the turf root-system, greatly impairing the ability of the turf
to extract water and nutrients from the soil, and causing wilting,
declining, and dying of the turf. There also are negative environ-
mental impacts that occur as secondary results of sting nematode
damage. These include increased irrigation frequency, increased
potential for nitrogen to leech into groundwater, and increased
herbicide use.
The most commonly used nematicide, fenamiphos (Nemacur,
Bayer CropScience), will no longer be manufactured after May of
2007. This has created a critical need to develop new control strat-
egies for sting nematode, and other plant-parasitic nematodes, on
golf course turf. Our research has focused on the identification
and implementation of such strategies.
RESEARCH AND IMPACTS: The nematicidal soil fumigant 1,3-
dichloropropene (1,3-D) has been used for pre-plant control of
plant-parasitic nematodes on food and fiber crops for many years.
Because of the tolerance of bermudagrass to 1,3-D, and the rela-
tive susceptibility of sting nematode, we investigated its potential
as a post-plant nematicide for use on golf courses. The biggest
challenge was to find a way to apply 1,3-D in an acceptable man-
ner. Because it is a fumigant, 1,3-D must be delivered into the soil
profile below where the bulk of the nematode populations occur,
it then moves upward through the soil profile as a gas, killing the
nematodes upon contact. Using tractor-mounted slit-injection
equipment to inject 1,3-D 5 to 6 inches deep in the soil was found
to be an acceptable application method on golf course fairways.
However, the same application equipment was not suited for put-
ting green applications. We studied several methods for applying
1,3-D to putting greens before finding a method that worked well
and was practical. In 2004, the first commercial applications of
1,3-D to putting greens were made with the prototype unit. At

this time additional units are being manufactured. 1,3-D is now
labeled for nematode control on turfgrasses in Florida, Georgia,
North and South Carolina, and Alabama. Last year more than
20% of the golf courses in Florida were treated with 1,3-D.
While 1,3-D works well for sting nematode, it is not equally
effective against some of the other plant-parasitic nematodes af-
fecting turfgrasses. It cannot be used in some regions of Florida
based on soil type, cannot be used within 100 ft. of buildings, and
there is a 10 acre minimum for application. Therefore, we have
investigated numerous botanical products and biological controls
for their potential to suppress plant-parasitic nematodes on
turfgrasses. Mustard bran derived from oriental mustard (Brassica
juncea) releases the nematicide allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC) upon
contact with water. The dry material can be added topically to
turf and the AITC can be moved into the ground during irriga-
tion. Numerous field experiments conducted over a four-year
period evaluated the effectiveness of mustard bran for manage-
ment of lance (Hoplolaimus galeatus) and sting nematodes on
turfgrasses. Multiple formulations, rates, and application methods
were evaluated on several grass species. Unformulated mustard
bran was bulky, caused phytotoxicity, and was difficult to apply.
However, improved formulations caused no phytotoxicity, were
easier to apply, and reduced population densities of both lance
and sting nematodes in soil. Visual improvement of turf often was
pronounced, especially in sites where lance nematode was the
primary nematode problem. Results of these studies indicate that
formulated mustard bran could be an acceptable alternative to
fenamiphos for certain turfgrass situations. This material is cur-
rently under review by the EPA for labeling as a biopesticide.
FUTURE: We continue our efforts to identify methods for
nematode control on turfgrasses that are effective and fit with
IPM strategies. This year we will work with new formulations of
mustard bran in an effort to improve the consistency of its results.
We also will be working with several other botanicals, as well as
nematode-parasitic microorganisms. By the time that Nemacur is
no longer manufactured we should have several new weapons in
our arsenal to manage nematode problems on golf course turf.

Billy Crow

50 I 2004ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTforthe FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

ENTOMOLOGY & NEMATOLOGY

FACULTY & STAFF

TITLE

SPECIALTY

John L. Capinera

Carl S. Barfield

Drion G. Boucias

Marc Branham

Eileen A. Buss

Paul M. Choate

William T. Crow

James P. Cuda

Donald W. Dickson

Thomas R. Fasulo

John L. Foltz

John H. Frank

Daniel E. Hahn

Harlan G. Hall

Donald W. Hall

Amanda C. Hodges

Marjorie A. Hoy

Philip G. Koehler

Pauline 0. Lawrence

Norman C. Leppla

Oscar E. Liburd

James E. Maruniak[

HeatherJ. McAuslane

Robert T. McSorley

Julio C. Medal

Faith M. Oi

MichaelA. Scharf

FrankJ. Slansky

Jerry L. Stimac

Susan E. Webb

Simon S. Yu

Chair and Prof.

Prof.

Prof.

Asst. Prof.

Asst. Prof.

Lecturer

Asst. Prof.

Asst. Prof.

Prof.

Assoc. In

Assoc. Prof.

Prof.

Asst. Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Prof.

Asst. Ext. Sci.

Eminent Scholar

Prof.

Prof.

Prof. & Program Director

Asst. Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Prof.

Research Assoc.

Asst. Extension Scientist

Asst. Res. Sci.

Prof.

Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Prof.

Pest Management Ecology

Pest Management

Insect Pathology

Systematics

Ornamental Plants & Turf

Insect Behavior Instruction

Nematology

Biological Weed Control

Nematology

Software Development

Forest Insects

Biological Control

Insect Physiology

Honey Bee Genetics

Medical Entomology

Detection and Diagnostics

Biological Control

Urban Entomology

Physiology and Biochemistry

Biocontrol[ and Ecology

Small Fruits and Vegetables

Insect Pathology

Plant Resistance

Nematology

Biological Control

Urban Entomology -Termites

Insect Toxicology

Nutritional Ecology

Population Ecology

Virus-Vector Studies, Vegetables

Insect Toxicology

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 51

TITLE
Interactions Between a Parasitic Wasp and its Insect Host
Role ofAdhesin Epitopes on Attachment of Pasteuria Endospores to Phytopathogenic
Nematodes
Plant Breeding, Genetics and Cultivar Development for St. Augustine Grass and Other Turf
Species
Systems for Controlling Air Pollutant Emissions and Indoor Environments of Poultry, Swine,
and Dairy Facilities
Household Pest Management

Classical Biological Control of Brazilian Peppertree, Schinus Terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae),
in Florida
Development, Evaluation, and Safety of Entomopathogens for Control ofArthropod Pests
Biological Control ofArthropod Pests and Weeds

Toxicology of Agriculturally Important Insect Pests of Florida
Selection of Honey Bees for Suppressed Reproduction of the Parasitic Varroa Mite and
mapping of the Quantitative Trait Loci(QTL) Involved
Screening of Potential Biological Control Agents for Tropical Soda Apple
OTL Involved in Suppression of Varroa Mite Reproduction on Honey Bees
Release and Evaluate an Exotic Nematode for Mole Cricket Control in Puerto Rico
Multi-tactic Approach to pest Management for Methyl Bromide Dependent Crops in Florida

A Comparative Analysis of Plant and Insect Parasitic Nematodes: A Novel Approach to
Controlling Insect Pests and Plant Pathogens
Biology and Management ofArthropod Pests of Vegetables

Biology and Management ofArthropod Pests of Vegetables

Chemical Ecology and Management of Insect Pests of Blueberry, Vaccinium spp., in Florida
Sources, Dispersal and Management of Stable Flies on Grazing Beef and Dairy
Leveraging Taxonomic Expertise in Existing Research Programs for Control of Mole Crickets
(Scapteriscus spp.)
Controlling Mexican Bromeliad Weevil
Utilization of Living Mulches to Suppress Cucurbit Pests
Biology Damage Potential, and Management of Plant-parasitic Nematodes on Turfgrasses and

Handheld Acoustic System to Detect Insects in Nursery Container
Crops
Release and Evaluate an Exotic Nematode for Mole Cricket Control
in Puerto Rico
Efficacy of Sulfuryl Flouride as Methyl Bromide Alternative in
Processing Mills

Florida and Offshore Biological Control Initiatives in Miami
Integrated Management of Pest Mole Crickets in Puerto Rico and
Florida
An Integrated Approach for Reducing Pesticide Risks in Commercial
Strawberry Production
Utilization of Living and Synthetic Mulches to Suppress Cucurlibit
Pests
Developing Multi-species Insect Resistance in Romaine Lettuce
Management of Root-Knot Nematodes in Field Production of Floral
and Ornamental Crops
Population Dynamics and Interactions of Soil Microorganisms
Management of Root-Knot Nematodes in Field Production of Floral
and Ornamental Crops
Sustainable Agricultural Practices for Management of Plant-Para-
sitic Nematodes on Tropical Crops
Management of Root-Knot Nematodes in Field Production of Floral
and Ornamental Crops
IPM for Mosquito Control: Program Development Training and
Educational Materials
Management of Insects on Potatoes with a New Insecticide USA-
03-816

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 57

FACULTY

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AMOUNT

U.S. Dept. ofAgriculture

U.S. Dept. ofAgriculture

U.S. Dept. of the Interior

U.S. Dept. ofAgriculture
U.S. Dept. ofAgriculture

Environmental Protection Agcy.

U.S. Dept. ofAgriculture

U.S. Dept. ofAgriculture
U.S. Dept. ofAgriculture

U.S. Dept. ofAgriculture
U.S. Dept. ofAgriculture

Univ. of Puerto Rico

U.S. Dept. ofAgriculture

U.S. Dept. ofAgriculture

Dupont Company

20,000

22,550

20,000

115,000
99,992

75,834

29,697

65,299
21,950

18,000
21,950

9,000

22,500

44,625

6,000

The Department of Environmental Horticulture is committed to
developing and communicating scientifically based research and
information on the enhancement of interior and exterior living
environments through the use of ornamental plant material and
turfgrasses. Environmental Horticulture plays a dominant role
in Florida's agricultural economy with the production, sales and
maintenance of ornamental plants (woody plants, floricultural
crops, foliage plants, bedding plants, and cut foliage) exceeding $9.9
billion per year. Turfgrass production and maintenance, an integral
part of Florida's tourism industry, adds another $7 billion to state
economy while golf courses contribute $5 billion to the economy of
Florida. Environmental Horticulture faculty, located in Gainesville
and at Research and Education Centers from Jay to Homestead, are
addressing the following research areas:
WATER MANAGEMENT AND PLANT NUTRITION Identify, develop
and disseminate environmentally and economically sound technolo-
gies that will increase production and utilization efficiencies as well
as protect or improve environmental quality. Research is providing
.** l 1 11, results leading to water conservation in nurseries, land-
scapes and on golf courses. New research will address the water and
fertilizer requirements of turfgrasses and landscape plants.
LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY Florida, by virtue of
its size, diversity, geographic location and multiple climatic zones
provides unique opportunities for modeling a sustainable horticul-
tural industry in subtropical and tropical regions throughout the
world. The components of the success of this model are develop-
ment of appropriate propagation and production techniques and
introduction of new plants to the industry. Research to develop
micropropagation techniques has led to rapid availability of sea oats
and wetland plants for beach and landscape restoration. An ad-
ditional component, invasive plant evaluation, is being addressed for
existing plants and new plant introductions.
BIOTECHNOLOGY, PLANT BREEDING AND NEW CROP DEVELOP-
MENT We are striving to develop horticultural characteristics,
disease and host/plant resistance through classical genetics and
molecular techniques, allowing us to create marketable products for
consumers. Today, the floral biotechnology program is among the
leading programs nationally and internationally.

PLANT PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT An important source of
sound research-based information to the professional horticultural
industry, the scientific community and the consumer/student. This
program is viewed as a leader in crop production and physiology
information and will set an example for the industry in environmen-
tally safe practices.
CONSUMER HORTICULTURE-PEOPLE, PLANTS AND THE ENVI-
RONMENT Communicate environmentally sound landscape and
gardening practices to the citizens of Florida in order to sustain the
natural beauty and protect the natural resources of Florida, and to
promote quality of life for residents and tourists.
POSTHARVEST/POST PRODUCTION Address the needs of the foli-
age and floriculture market chain. Currently the best interior evalu-
ation facilities in the US are located within this department, and it
is the only program nationally addressing whole plant longevity on
a broad scale. Major emphasis is placed on research to improve the
performance of fresh cut flowers for the consumer.
LANDSCAPE AND TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT Develop and pro-
vide research based principles and practices to government agencies,
landscape professionals, golf course superintendents, sod produc-
ers and consumers that will ensure the successful establishment of
landscape plants and turfgrass without polluting the environment or
wasting resources. These projects range from the proper use of fertil-
izer in the landscape to the fate of pesticides on golf courses.
The Environmental Horticulture Program addresses the use of
ornamental plants and turfgrasses for home and commercial land-
scapes and for beautification in the home and office. Today, teach-
ing, research and extension programs blend current day recommen-
dations with the need to maintain and enhance our environment
and preserve our natural resources. Florida faces many challenges in
the future with efficient water use and prevention of runoff, produc-
tion of a broad range of plant material for distribution world-wide
and the need for highly qualified individuals to fill critical industry
jobs. The faculty and staff in Environmental Horticulture are poised
to meet these challenges with sound scientific research that is recog-
nized throughout the world.

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 59

SIGNIFICANCE: Nationally, agriculture has been the subject of
public scrutiny regarding environmental issues. In central Florida,
producers of ferns cut for their green foliage and producers of
citrus fruit have been scrutinized for causing elevated nitrate
nitrogen concentrations in ground water. In Okeechobee County,
the dairy industry has been mandated to minimize phosphorus
runoff into Lake Okeechobee and ultimately the Everglades, while
the nursery industry in Broward County has been subjected
recently to potential mandates to reduce phosphorus runoff into
canals. Broward County and the South Florida Water Manage-
ment District are required by government mandates to reduce
the phosphorus concentration in canals that discharge to the
Everglades. Thus, water quality issues and in particular surface
water quality issues are rapidly coming to the forefront of public
attention and will impact nursery operations.
RATIONALE: Best Management Practices (BMPs) provide a
standardized terminology for nurseries and other agricultural
businesses, trade associations, and governmental agencies to use
when communicating about environmentally conscious produc-
tion practices. These practices must be research-based, readily
adaptable, and have minimal economic burden. Development
of these practices for the container nursery industry has been
progressing for several years thanks to support from the nursery
industry, private companies, Horticultural Research Institute, Wa-
ter Management Districts, Florida Department of Environmental
Protection, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services, USDA-ARS, UF, and various associations and endow-
ments. Research has involved a team approach with faculty from
UF's Research and Education Centers, USDA-ARS, and other
disciplines such as Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Food
and Resource Economics, and Soil and Water Science. Current
research encompasses development of fertilization application

techniques for maximizing nutrient absorption by plants and
minimizing nutrient runoff from production areas into ground
and surface waters. Fertilization and irrigation BMP recommen-
dations developed through research will be tested for commercial
adaptability in Broward County. To accomplish this, UF person-
nel will demonstrate BMPs at several commercial nursery sites.
Nursery operators will evaluate the effectiveness of BMPs at these
demonstration sites so that technology transfer and implementa-
tion of BMPs will be enhanced.
IMPACT: This past year, members of the Florida Nursery, Grow-
ers and Landscape Association as well as other plant producers
representing Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach counties were
convened along with representatives from governmental agencies,
associations, and educational institutions. The goal of these meet-
ings was to establish priority BMPs that were currently being used
or could be readily adopted to either minimize or reduce offsite
nutrient movement into the canals. This process evolved into a
draft document titled South Florida Container Nursery BMP Guide
.,!',p I i ....i i ...I -..- i. Once adopted by statutory rule,
producers implementing BMPs and keeping appropriate records
are exempt from costs associated with the clean up of ground and
surface water contaminated with phosphorus or other constitu-
ents, and these producers are presumed to be in compliance with
state water quality standards. Research conducted at UF and other
collaborating universities is pivotal in guiding the rule develop-
ment process because research-based information determines the
"best" practices that become specified by the rule.
THE FUTURE: In the future, nursery businesses will spend more
time than in the past accounting for production activities and
communicating positive environmental benefits of their manage-
ment practices. BMPs provide the nurseries a common format for
accountability and communication. Being a part of the account-
ability process during development is very important for nurser-
ies. But it is equally important for us to ensure that research-based
information forms the backbone of BMPs.

Tom Yeager

60 I 2004ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTforthe FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

TITLE
Postproduction Evaluation of Foliage Plants, Potted Flowering Plants and Fresh Cut Flowers
for Interior Use
Landscape Tree Establishment and Protection in the Development and Maintenance of
Urban Environments
Best Management Practices for Residential and Commercial Landscape Turfgrasses in Florida
Reproductive Biology and Invasive Potential of Lantana Camara Cultivars
Improve Turfgrass Management as Related to Environmental Parameters
Molecular Genetics of Floriculture Crops
Maltose as a Chloroplast Emergency Compatible Solute in Response to Acute Temperature
Shock
Cultural Systems for Specialty Cut Flowers and Other New Ornamental Crops for Florida

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 61

Best Management Practices for Florida's Green Industries: Educa-
tional Program

Warm Season Turfgrass and Rates and Irrigation

Determination of Runoff Quality and Quanitity of Container-Grown
Plant Production

Reclaimed Water for Irrigation of Container Grow Plants

Wick Irrigation System for Small Foliage Plants

BMP Development and Education for Southeast Florida Nursery
Operators

Evaluation of Controlled Released Fertilizers

Development of E-learning Resource for Water and Nutrient Man-
agement and Conservation, for Nursery and Greenhouse Ind.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Gloeckner Fdtn., Fred C.

Am. Floral Endowment

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Dept of Agricu[ & Consumer Ser

UF Research Foundation

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

FL WildFLower Advisory Council

Dept. of Environmental Protect.

Dept. of Environmental Protect.

Dept. of Environmental Protect.

Dept. of Environmental Protect.

Dept. of Environmental Protect.

Dept of Environmental Protect

Natl. Turfgrass Federation

Paul Ecke Poinsettias Inc.

Am FLoral Endowment

Am FLoral Endowment

Dept. of Environmental Protect.

Dept. of Environmental Protect.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Water Management Districts

Natl. Foliage Foundation

Dept. ofAgricul. & Consumer Ser.

Haifa Nutritech

Univ. of Maryland

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 63

FACULTY

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AMOUNT

37,563

10,000

26,000

19,300

19,200

131

125,000

10,130

89,119

138,654

412,265

85,049
52,920

130,848

16,000

112,500

39,000

19,500

114,867

700,000

43,875

89,000
10,000

23,625

8,500
36,000

The mission of the Department of Family, Youth and Community
Sciences is to enhance lifelong learning and the personal, social, eco-
nomic, and environmental well-being of diverse individuals, fami-
lies, and communities through state-of-the-art extension, research,
and teaching programs.

The Mission includes the following key elements:
To apply research-based information through innovative out-
reach programs.
To extend the frontiers of knowledge through research and
other scholarly endeavors.
To build student competencies for successful careers in human
and community development.
To enhance the professional development of individuals through
continuing professional education.

A major strength of the department is the diversity of disciplines
that operate in collaborative and complementary ways to address
issues of importance to individuals, families, and communities. This
diversity allows human development to be considered from a broad
perspective, giving consideration to the key contextual setting in
which people are embedded. These contextual factors include fami-
lies, neighborhoods, schools, communities, and extra-community
linkages. These elements form the conceptual foundation for the
research, teaching, and outreach activities of the unit.
Some faculty focus their research on youth development issues
such as crime and violence prevention in public schools. This

research has led to the development of a safe school survey and
school climate survey model for Florida schools, an analysis of
school crime and violence data quality systems, longitudinal stud-
ies on trends of youth crime and violence, and research on youth
risk prevention program effectiveness. Other youth development
research has focused on investigating partnerships that adults
and youth form, for the purpose of addressing the goals of a local
organization, community, or government entity. Florida youth and
adults expand and learn leadership skills through partnerships that
promote community volunteerism, more 1p1t i.I i engagement
in civic governance. The research examines the knowledge, attitudes
and skills of youth and adults regarding willingness to be involved
in partnerships and how they apply leadership skills in partnerships
for community governance. Other faculty focus their research in the
area of food safety and quality in order to provide consumers with
credible, science-based research information on emerging technolo-
gies, storage, i. Ili ii, ,.lli,. of food in relation to food safety and
quality. This research contributes to a safer food supply and better
handling by consumers, thereby enhancing the quality of life for
individuals, families, and communities.
The research programs prepare graduate and undergraduate stu-
dents for fulfilling careers in human services, community develop-
ment, and family and youth professions through the broad-based
social science degree. The scope of the Department of Family, Youth
and Community Sciences reflects an integrated approach to under-
standing the linkages between individuals, families, and communi-
ties, and the environments in which they function.

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 65

2004 Annual Research Report
for the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

FAMILY, YOUTH & COMMUNITY SCIENCES

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

SCHOOL CRIME AND VIOLENCE AND PREVENTION PROGRAM
EVALUATION RESEARCH
The Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences en-
gages actively in research that is designed to study the impacts of
various community systems on the development of youth. These
projects emphasize the examination of the interaction of children,
youth, peers, and families with these major systems, including
schools, neighborhoods, communities, and law enforcement,
courts and referral agencies. Projects also explore the impact of
specific programs on youth with a focus on identifying whether
or not these programs are effective and have an impact. This effort
has the goal of improving our understanding of the characteristics
of environments, children, families, and programs that optimize
the healthy development of the nation's youth.
Dr. Rose Barnett has recently completed several studies that
have examined the effectiveness of prevention programs to reduce
youth crime and violence in schools and communities in the
major urban area of Palm Beach County, the fourteenth largest
school district in the United States and the location of a major
school shooting in the United States. A longitudinal research-
based evaluation study was recently completed on the first eight
years of the Palm Beach County Youth Court, a program estab-
lished by the Palm Beach County School District School Police
Department for juvenile first offenders. The goal of this program is
to keep youth from having a criminal record and from potentially
becoming repeat offenders. The evaluation study examined the
effectiveness of the court processing, the changing trends in pat-
terns of youth crime and violence, and locations of these crimes.
It explored the use of sanctions for these offenses and the impact
of ., o 11 i,. 1111 people on the youth participating in the study. The
Palm Beach County Youth Court program provides four benefits
to their local community: accountability, timeliness, cost savings,
and community cohesion. Research being conducted this year on
the effectiveness on the youth court will continue to explore the
relationships between the key participants as well as examine risk
and protective factors related to these changing trends.
Another project led by Dr. Barnett examined the effects of
Aggressors, Victims and Bystanders, a program developed by Dr.
Ron Slaby (Harvard University) and implemented in Palm Beach
County middle schools by the School Police Department. This is a
conflict resolution program curriculum that is designed to provide
bystanders which includes most individuals within a school

community with the combination of problem-solving skills and
supported help-seeking strategies they need to take positive steps
to prevent violence. This study examined the effectiveness of this
program in order to determine its full impact in terms of reducing
youth crime and violence, as well as building positive steps and
skills to increase youth preparedness in conflict situations.
It was determined that the program did have impact, particu-
larly in the areas of improving how students handle conflict and
violence in the school environment in the following specific areas:
how choices and actions can prevent conflicts from escalating into
fights; how attitudes and beliefs regarding conflict and violence
and habits of thought affect the way they deal with conflict; ways
to stay calm and think clearly during heated conflict; ways to ad-
dress and incorporate different points of view and define problems
in ways that relieve conduct; and how language can be an impor-
tant tool in alleviating conflict and preventing fights.

TITLE
Early Childhood Interventions forViolence Prevention in Florida
Evaluation Research in the Area of Youth Development and Youth Crime and Violence
in Public Schools
Enhancing Food Safety and Quality Though Technologies and Consumer Research
Consumer Preference and Phytonutrient Contents of Specialty Tomatoes and Tropical
Fruits in the Caribbean Region

The mission of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
(FAS) has two major components: (1) To achieve greater under-
standing of the physical, chemical, and biological features of aquatic
systems through research, education, and public outreach, and
(2) To foster the informed management and husbandry of aquatic
resources.
The Department is organized into four programmatic areas that
encompass the strengths of our Department and how our capabili-
ties best meet current and future challenges facing Florida.

The goals of the four programs are strongly interconnected by
shared concerns and opportunities, such as the integrity and sus-
tainability of water resources.
Aquaculture is the fastest growing sector of agriculture in
Florida, the United States, and the world. Its importance is marked,
primarily, because aquatic organisms (e.g., fish) are diverse and
among the most efficient animals known to convert food into
protein for human consumption. World fisheries landings have
leveled-offat approximately 100 million tons. Most of the stocks are
considered fully exploited or overexploited. Aquaculture will be one
of the major means to make up for limited fisheries stocks during
this century and beyond.

Aquatic animal health is a truly interdisciplinary program well
established at the University of Florida that involves faculty, staff and
students from the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences,
The College of Veterinary Medicine, and The Whitney Laboratory.
This program focuses on, 1) disease diagnosis & health manage-
ment, 2) assessment of the effects of toxic algal blooms & environ-
ment contaminants, and 3) an intensive educational program in
aquatic animal health through the Graduate School and Extension
Programs.
Conservation and management of aquatic environments is a re-
sponse to the serious challenges facing Florida due to the explosive
growth of human development. This program focuses on 1) achiev-
ing an objective and comprehensive understanding of the struc-
ture and function of ecosystems, 2) providing critical information
needed for the development of management approaches that ensure
the integrity and sustainability of critical natural resources and 3)
generating the human resources needed to meet the management
challenges of the future through education and extension programs.
Sustainable fisheries serve Florida's recreational and commercial
fisheries, which together represent an economic value unmatched
by fisheries of any other state in the nation. The program focuses
on 1) the effects of habitat quality on fish population abundance, 2)
population modeling and stock assessment, 3) essential fish habitat
& ecological forecasting, and 4) public outreach for sustainable
fisheries.

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION 71

2004 Annual Research Report
for the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

FISHERIES & AQUATIC SCIENCES

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

BIVALVE ECOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Bivalves are probably most familiar as pretty shells found
on beaches or on plates in seafood restaurants. Many might be
surprised to learn, however, that bivalves play important roles in
the economy and ecology of Florida. For example, clam farming is
an important agribusiness in the state. The culture of hard clams
(Mercenaria mercenaria), a relatively new agricultural industry
in Florida, represents the fastest growing segment of the state's
aquaculture industry; between 1989 and 1999 revenue from farm-
raised hard clams increased fifteen-fold. Today, approximately
400 active shellfish growers farm over 1800 acres of sovereign
submerged state lands off nine coastal counties, producing a crop
worth $18.2 million with an economic impact of about $55 mil-
lion (2001). While the hard clam aquaculture industry of Florida
is a dramatic success story, each year clam farmers face the risk of
catastrophic crop loss associated with climatic, environmental and
biological factors. In addition, the high-density nature of many
aquaculture technologies presents new and unique challenges
for the industry. To maintain its impressive growth and to meet
increasing national and global demand for aquaculture products,
the Florida hard clam industry must increase survival, growth,
and yield while consistently producing a high quality crop.
Florida also faces the challenge of potential economic and
ecological impacts resulting from the introduction of invasive spe-
cies. The number of new invasions by marine organisms has more
than quadrupled in the last 100 years. While the study of marine
invasions in the United States has typically focused on Pacific
states and the Northeast, the recent invasion of Tampa Bay by the
green mussel, Perna viridis, reveals that the Gulf of Mexico is also
vulnerable to biological invasions. Bivalves have many qualities
that make them successful invaders and the impacts of bivalve in-
vaders range from apparently innocuous to clearly harmful, both
ecologically and economically.
Shirley Baker's research program in Fisheries and Aquatic
Sciences (FAS) focuses on the physiology and ecology of marine,
estuarine and freshwater invertebrates. Her current program
specializes in cultured, invasive and native bivalve populations.
One of Dr. Baker's long-term research goals is to enhance the
sustainable development of open-water clam farming. She is also
interested in the consequences of biological invasions and anthro-
pogenic disturbances on the ecology and physiology of inverte-
brates. Her methods bridge and integrate several levels of research;
from comparative physiology and biochemistry at the level of the
organism, to remote sensing at the level of the ecosystem.
The CLAMMRS project (Clam Lease Assessment, Management
and Modeling using Remote Sensing), on which Dr. Baker is lead
PI, is one such study that spans several disciplines. This project
is addressing the needs of the hard clam aquaculture industry
through a series of interrelated research and extension activities.
In association with the Florida Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services, Division of Aquaculture, water quality and
weather monitoring stations have been installed at ten clam aqua-
culture lease areas around the state. In addition to creating a water
quality data base to document events associated with crop loss, the
CLAMMRS team, including Dr. Ed Phlips (FAS), Dr. Clay Mon-
tague (Environmental Engineering Sciences), Dr. Debra Murie

(FAS), Leslie Sturmer (Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Program),
Dr. Derk Bergquist (former FAS postdoctoral associate) and FAS
graduate students Carla Beals, Erin Bledsoe, and Jon Fajans, is also
determining the impact of food resource availability and quality
on clam productivity, filling gaps in knowledge of Florida clam
physiology and response to stressors, and developing a computer
simulation model of Florida clam production. A better under-
standing of clams, their environment, and the human dimensions
of clam farming will increase production, farm efficiency and
profitability and thereby enhance the sustainable development of
open-water clam farming in Florida.
Recently, the need for a hardier clam strain has become evident
as clam culturists in south Florida report below average survivals
or total losses during the hot summers. While strain development
through basic breeding is a long and costly process, a quicker
method to capitalize on genetics is through triploid induction. Dr.
Baker and colleagues Drs. John Scarpa (Harbor Branch Oceano-
graphic Institute), Chuck Adams (Food and Resource Economics),
and Leslie Sturmer are examining the hypothesis that triploid
clams will exhibit reduced gamete production and increased body
mass that will contribute to higher survival during the summer
stressors of heat, reduced dissolved oxygen, and reduced food
availability found in the subtropical waters of Florida. Graduate
student, Elise Hoover, is comparing the responses of diploid and
triploid clams subjected to laboratory stress challenges. Dr. Baker
is also determining the physiological mechanism by which trip-
loidy may improve field survival. This project provides informa-
tion concerning the commercial value of triploid hard clams for
increased stress resistance in Florida.
In addition to her focus on hard clams, Dr. Baker also main-
tains an emphasis on invasive bivalve species and the green
mussel, Perna viridis, in particular. The green mussel, native to the
Persian Gulf and the Philippines, has been introduced through-
out the Indo-Pacific, appeared in the Caribbean in 1989 and, by
1999, had invaded Florida. Dr. Baker and her FAS colleagues Drs.
Patrick Baker and Ed Phlips and graduate student Jon Fajans, have
tracked the spread of this mussel since that time. P viridis initially

Shirley Baker

72 I 2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTforthe FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

FISHERIES & AQUATIC SCIENCES

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

spread south from its point of origin in Tampa Bay with prevail-
ing currents and in 2002 it invaded northeast Florida. Prior inva-
sion patterns and laboratory tolerance trials conducted in Baker's
lab suggest that cold temperatures will limit northward range
expansion to the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern United
States. Their studies also indicate that R. viridis out-competes the
native and ecologically important eastern oyster, Crassostrea vir-
ginica. This project provides resource and industry managers with
predictions concerning the spread and severity of green mussel
invasions, as well as environmental impacts upon ecosystems. It
also identifies areas of concern and future research needs regard-
ing this and similar species.

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 75

FACULTY

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AMOUNT

80,000

54,850

142,897

23,814

81,052

50,683

19,000

370,940

450,000
68,907

109,000

60,000

40,000

54,600

39,000

465,000
50,000

222,892

95,218

29,945

435,000
70,000

50,937

35,645

33,500

198,727
121,260

50,000

73,058

The general goal of Food and Resource Economics research is to
provide knowledge needed to guide decisions in the production,
marketing, distribution, and consumption of food, fiber, and marine
products and the development and more efficient use of natural, hu-
man and capital resources.
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE: Florida ranks as a major agricultural
state and often leads the nation in the production of a wide variety
of agricultural commodities. Before reaching the consumer, each
product moves through a unique marketing channel often involving
grading, processing, packaging, transporting, international trade,
wholesaling and retailing. The provision of inputs and services to
the agricultural sector also involves -.iii ii, i economic activ-
ity. Agricultural businesses must cope with increased regulatory
pressure, shifting consumer preferences regarding food safety and
environmental protection as well as dealing with emerging oppor-
tunities through biotechnology. Agribusiness, farm management
and production economics, marketing, international trade and
competition, and consumer economics are among the subject matter
sub-areas contributing.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT: Florida's population
growth and associated pressures on land, water, and natural systems

pose difficult policy choices for public officials. Environmental and
resource problems and policies affect agriculture and Florida's rural
communities. The need for research increases as the competition
between agricultural and nonagricultural users of land and water in-
tensifies. These conflicting issues are clearly part of the management
challenge in commercial agriculture. Natural resource and environ-
mental economics, including marine economics, are the primary
subject matter sub-areas contributing.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Economic development generally
refers to targeted programs designed to enable people to raise
overall per capital incomes or to improve circumstances for specific
disadvantaged populations. The emphasis of the program thrust
is the enhancement of people's capacity to acquire and manage re-
sources effectively. Economic transitions underway in rural Florida
result in pockets of economic disadvantage. Public and private
managers must cope with the costs of economic change and must be
able to influence both the pattern and pace of growth. Insights are
sometimes obtained from problem-solving work in other counties
that may be applicable in Florida. Rural economic development, in-
ternational development, economic impact analysis, and agricultural
labor subject matter sub-areas contribute.

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION 77

In the late twentieth century, systematic thinking about values
and norms associated with the food system farming, resource
management, food processing, distribution, trade, and consump-
tion -has come to be referred to as 1,1f. nidiil ethics. Agricultur-
al ethics incorporates elements of disciplinary philosophical ethi-
cal analysis with concerns about particular "issue areas" that arise
in connection with the food system. Agricultural ethics has grown
from the work of a handful of philosophically trained individuals
in U.S. land-grant institutions to a large, worldwide collection of
academics, scholars, farmers, policymakers, and activists, thinking
and writing about these issues.
Over the past several years there has been considerable public
discussion and policy analysis of issues such as changes in farm
structure, treatment of agricultural animals, food safety; the
environmental impacts of particular farming/resource manage-
ment practices, international trade concerns, food security, and
of course food and agricultural biotechnology. Ethics or ethical
analysis is one of a number of disciplinary tools that can be used
to enhance discussion of policy issues relating to food, agricul-
ture, and the environment. Indeed, all of the agricultural sciences
have had something to contribute. The work of this researcher,
however, has focused primarily on ethics regarding policy. Two
examples of this research are summarized here: 1) Food Safety,
and 2) Agricultural Biotechnology.
Food safety is an ethical issue in part because, in the modern
food production-transportation-processing-wholesaling-retailing
chain, foods can be exposed to chemicals or microbial pathogens,
or simply can be mishandled. Consumers on their own may not
be able to tell whether the foods they purchase and eat will put
them at risk for sickness or disease or even allergic reactions.
Under what is known as a "rights approach" to ethical analysis
- the primary ethical responsibility people have is to respect
each others' rights food safety takes on particular -',K."i, -."ac
because the rights approach demands that people not be placed
at risk against their will. The complexity and lack of transparency
of the food production system implies that government agencies
such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration, and public health departments have an
important role in protecting rights. One way they do this is by
attempting to ensure that food is safe. One problem is that deter-
mining "safety" is not so simple: "safe" implies a value judgment
that potential hazards have been adequately analyzed and that any
remaining risks are "acceptable." Some people question whether
those responsible for ensuring safety really operate under a "pro-
tect rights" regime, or whether an alternative ethical approach,
the so-called "utilitarian" (greatest social net value) approach is
employed. Under a utilitarian regime, judgments about "relative
safety" can sometimes inadvertently place certain individuals at
risk (e.g., those with unique allergies).
In light of occasional food scares and lapses in the regulatory
system, questions have to be raised about the appropriateness and
thoroughness of many scientific risk analyses and assessments of
safety. In general, calls for stricter evaluations of certain chemicals
and genetically engineered foods, more inspections of process-

ing plants and grocery stores, and thorough product labeling
all reflect the ethical demand that consumers be protected from
exposure to (real and perceived) risks associated with foods, i.e.,
have their rights protected. Even the increasing demand for so-
called "Country of Origin" labels may have some basis in peoples'
concerns about whether foods imported from nations with less
stringent environmental regulations are safe to eat.
Labels for food products containing material from genetically
modified (GM) crops have also been the subject of consumer
scrutiny and some policy discussion. Interestingly, the develop-
ment of recombinant DNA techniques for transforming agricul-
tural plants and animals, as well as for food processing and animal
drugs, has been the focus of controversy for more than 20 years.
The debate reached one peak within the United States in connec-
tion with the approval process for bovine somatotropin within
the dairy industry, only to resurface again in connection with
European and Japanese consumer rejection of transgenic maize
and soy. The highly visible political controversy over biotechnol-
ogy has made the debate a prominent place for the consider-
ation of virtually every ethical concern associated with food and
agriculture. Indeed, agricultural biotechnology is debated in terms
of food safety and consumer consent, the broader environmental
effects of its use in crop and livestock production, its impact on
the structure of agriculture, and its potential to address problems
of hunger on a global basis, and, of course, its place in the global
market.
Each of these issues might be raised with respect to many
technologies that affect production practices in the food system.
It is accurate to say that many of the real issues have little to do
with the use of transgenic technology. Yet such a statement also
is misleading by virtue of the way that biotechnology has come
to symbolize the broad pattern of technological change within
the food system for the broader public. The controversy over bio-
ti. .,,1. -- iii.. is ethically .**1o'dI.i ,i because it signals a current
of dissatisfaction within a subset of the public regarding general
social and technological trends in the food system, and because it
illustrates the frustration that segment of the population feels over
its inability to influence policy. Here, biotechnology also connects
with the general issue of consumer trust in science.

Beyond these issues of power over the food system and con-
sumer confidence in the judgment of experts and powerful actors,
there are issues that are unique to the use of biotechnology. One
concerns the quasi-religious question of whether these technolo-
gies are so intrusive with respect to life processes that they amount
to a form of disrespect for humanity's proper relationship to
nature, a form of "playing God." Here, agricultural biotechnology
is viewed as but one component of a revolution in t. ..1..-- il ii in-
cludes the possibilities of human cloning and genetic engineering.
An outgrowth of this concern can take the form of whether people
have the right to base dietary choices on the basis of religious and
quasi-religious beliefs. If a person believes that so-called biotech
foods are impure on religious or philosophical rather than scien-
tific grounds, is it ethical for the food industry to place that person
in a position in which it becomes impossible to make dietary
choices on the basis of these beliefs?
The debate over agricultural biotechnology also has occurred
at the same time that U.S. research agencies such as the National
Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation have
urged greater attention to research ethics. Within many domains
of science, research ethics has focused primarily on human sub-
jects and informed consent, and secondarily on the use of animals
as research subjects. The first concern has not much affected agri-
cultural researchers, whereas the second has been experienced in
terms of the growing importance of Institutional Animal Care and
Use Committees (IACUCs) in the review of agricultural research.
Even more recently, discussion of the role of ethics in policy
regarding agricultural biotechnology research and development
was a major part of the work of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture's
"Advisory Committee on Agricultural Biotechnology"(ACAB), on
which Dr. Burkhardt served from 1999-2001.
Research ethics also is coming to be seen in terms of the
broader steering and control over the research agenda and the

proper role of self-interested actors (such as corporations) in
supporting public-sector scientific research. In agricultural re-
search, these ethical issues concern the appropriate way that food
consumers, citizens, and other food system outsiders should have
their values reflected in the development of agricultural produc-
tion practices, especially as these are affected by new technology.
One view holds that markets provide adequate opportunity for
citizens to "vote with their pocketbooks," whereas another holds
that the power of actors such as farm organizations, input suppli-
ers, food companies, and government regulatory agencies limits
the extent to which market choices truly can reflect the values of
the broader public. The issues also can be articulated in terms of
the public's confidence and trust of these actors. If self-seeking
economic actors can conspire in ways that limit which foods are
available and at what price, why should the public accept the claim
that biotechnology (or, indeed, any technology) serves the public's
interest in a safe, secure, and environmentally sound food system?
Responses to specific ethical problems, such as the public's trust
in agricultural science or the broader environmental place of ag-
riculture, may require .!, iiil, 1111 organizational responses. These
responses may include opportunities for broader public participa-
tion in policy decisions, or more effective outreach programs to
elicit a wide range of citizens' perspectives. The specificity of the
problem in question will determine the nature of response that is
most appropriate. Ethics alone will not indicate what is needed.
The emphasis here is on the need for agricultural institutions to
develop a base of expertise in signaling the nature and importance
of ethical concerns, with the expectation that this will lead to
more effective decision making in the future. This, indeed, is the
focus of the recently released Issue Paper from the Council on Ag-
ricultural Science and Technology (CAST), "Agricultural Ethics,"
for which this Dr. Burkhardt served as Task Force Chair and Lead
Author. See http://www.cast-science.org/cast/src/cast top.htm

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION 79

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION 81

TITLE
Agricultural and Food Product Logistics: Implications for Florida and the U.S. in a
World Market
Technical and Economical Efficiencies of Producing, Marketing, and Managing
Environ mental Plants
The Efficiency ofAlternative Natural Resource and Environmental Policies and Practices
Agriculture and Natural Resource Ethics
Consumer Attitudes and Preferences Regarding Florida Agricultural Products
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT): Economic and Trade Impacts of Regulations to Control
Invasive Pests
Caribbean Basin Countries Agricultural Sector Adjustment Challenges Under Emerging
Trade Liberalizations and Integration Regimes
Economic, Environmental and Fiscal Impact Analysis of Agriculture, Natural Resources
and Amenity-based Services in Florida.
Economics of Managing Invasive Species in Tropical and Sub-tropical Areas of the US
Caribbean Basin
Economic Analysis of the Florida Citrus Industry Competing in a Global Market
Trade and Economic Growth in the Caribbean
Impact Analysis and Decision Strategies for Agricultural Research
The Marketing of Differentiated Agricultural and Food Products
Improving Risk Management Tools to Enhance the Competitiveness of Florida Crop and
Livestock Producers
Impacts of Trade and Domestic Policies on the Competitiveness and Performance of
Southern Agriculture
Marketing, Trade, and Management of Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources
Assessing Agricultural Labor Risk for Specialty Crops

Assessing the Fair Market Value of Commercial Shark Vessels in the
Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Regions

Sustainability and Land Use in the Caribbean Region

Market Enhancement for Small Diameter Timber in Florida

Assessing Agricultural Labor Risk for Specialty Crops

Cross-border Curricular Programs in International Environmental
and Agribusiness Management

Measures of Consumer Acceptance of and Willingness to Pay for
Genetically Modified Foods in the U.S. and the E.U.

Analysis of Goat Meat Consumption in Florida

Economic Effects of Habs on Coastal Communities and Shellfish
Culture in Florida

Santa Rosa Beach Mouse Use of a Hurricane Fragmented Landscape

Partnership and Outreach Case Studies

Update Water Quality and Water Quantity Related Publicationsin
English and Spanish

Estimating Import & Export Demand for Specialty Crops

Structural Changes in Food Demand in Develooping Countries & Its
Implications for U.S. Trade and Global Security

Marketing Florida Citrus Products-doc Contract# 04-14

Florida Agricultural Competiveness and Trade

Economics of Managing Invasive Species in Tropical Areas of the
United States of America

Gulf&S. Atlantic Fish Dev. Fd.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Dept. of Agricul. & Consumer Ser.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Univ. of Maine

Mississippi State University

Fort Valley State University

Environmental Protection Agcy.

U.S. Dept. of the Interior

U.S. Dept. of the Interior

Dept. of Agricul. & Consumer Ser.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Dept. of Citrus

Dept. of Agricul. & Consumer Ser.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 83

FACULTY

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AMOUNT

Adams, C.M.

Cumming, G.S.

Degner, R.L.

Emerson, R.D.

Fairchild, G.F.

House, L.A.

House, L.A.

Larkin, S.L.

Miller, D.L.

Monroe, M.C.

Olexa, M.T.

Seale Jr., J.L.

Seale Jr., J.L.

Spreen, T.H.

Vansickle, J.J.

Vansickle, J.J.

30,413

100,000

31,185

730,319

50,450

71,667

13,875

91,959

22,000

24,705

17,126

52,500
40,000

27,500

1,000,000

290,901

The Food Science and Human Nutrition department is dedicated
to quality research, teaching, extension, and service programs in the
broad and diverse areas of food science, human nutrition, and di-
etetics. We have faculty both on campus and at the Citrus Research
and Education Center, and several faculty members participate in
the Center for Nutritional Sciences, an interdisciplinary program
encouraging comprehensive training and research in the science
of nutrition. Members of the faculty also participate in programs
in other departments in IFAS and across the University of Florida,
other universities, and government agencies. Members of the faculty
are well recognized nationally and internationally, as evidenced by
the recent election of a faculty member to the National Academy
of Sciences. The faculty has also been very successful in generating
grants from federal, state, and industry sources, and grant expendi-
tures last year totaled over $2 million.
The department's research programs can be divided into two
broad categories: food science and human nutrition. Research in
the area of food science addresses problems and opportunities
important to the food industry in Florida and throughout the world.
Research projects involve many of the commodities important in
Florida, including seafood and aquaculture products, citrus, fresh

fruits and vegetables, and dairy products. Research areas include
food safety and microbiology issues, food processing and new
method development, quality and sensory aspects of foods, and
composition and chemistry of foods. Research in the area of human
nutrition addresses basic and applied aspects of human nutrition
in efforts to improve the health and wellness of Floridians and the
world population, and includes studies on gene regulation, immu-
nity, and women's health. Research areas include the function and
biochemistry of micronutrients, the role of water-soluble vitamins in
the health of various populations, the effects of phytochemicals and
nutrient supplements on health, and the development of education
programs for improved nutrition and health.
The department publishes in many national and international
journals, including several popular publications. Research programs
in the department offer many opportunities for the training of grad-
uate and undergraduate students, and faculty with appointments in
the Cooperative Extension Service effectively share research findings
with clientele in Florida and around the world. For more informa-
tion on the Food Science and Human Nutrition department, please
contact Charles Sims or visit our Web site: FSHN.IFAS.UFL.EDU

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 85

The global demand for aquatic foods is rapidly growing and
never before has the world seen as much wild and cultured fish
harvested. It is estimated that the world harvest now exceeds 130
million metric tons and that seafood contributes more than 15
percent of all animal protein consumed globally by humans. The
problem is that an unnecessarily large amount of fish species and
byproducts from seafood processing are not used for human con-
sumption. For example, typically 60 percent to 70 percent of the
weight of a fish is unutilized after primary processing. By-catch in
fisheries is also a major problem. For example, it is no uncommon
to see 5 lbs of by-catch for each 1 lbs of shrimp harvested. Much of
these underutilized materials are very difficult or uneconomical to
process into products for human consumption and are therefore
typically used as animal feed or converted into fertilizer. A sizable
part of this material ends up with no use at all, and is simply dis-
carded. At the same time this is taking place many common fish
stocks are declining and it is predicted that the demand for high
quality protein from aquatic foods will exceed the supply in the
near future. Even though aquaculture is believed to supply more
fish than traditional fisheries in the future, it is highly unlikely that
the demand for quality protein will be met. To address this grow-
ing problem new methods have to be developed to be able to eco-
nomically utilize the vast amount of underutilized species of the
oceans and the processing by-products from conventional species.
Researchers have for many decades been working on this problem
but most developments have been met with many challenges, with
most attempts failing due to economics or poor quality of the final
products. This global problem has direct consequences to Florida,
since it is one of the major fisheries, processing and seafood im-
port states in the US along with having seafood consumption well
above the US average.
To address the above problem we have along with our col-
laborators developed a novel process where proteins of excellent
functionality and stability can be economically and efficiently ex-
tracted from underutilized fish species and byproducts. This pro-
cess is based on homogenizing the fish raw material in water and
selectively solubilizing the muscle proteins at either a specific very
low or high pH where viscosity is below a certain critical level. The
soluble proteins are then separated from unwanted components
in the raw material (e.g., membrane lipids, fat, connective tissue,
bones, scales, skin etc.) by high speed centrifugation. The proteins
are then collected through filters and recovered by isoelectric
precipitation, yielding an almost lipid free protein isolate. We have
investigated many different warm-water species of commercial
importance to Florida and the Caribbean basin along with a range
of cold water species of commercially importance to the US. Our
work can be roughly divided into four categories: (1) Investigating
ways to obtain optimal extraction of functional fish proteins, (2)
Investigating and improving the stability of the extracted proteins,
(3) Investigating the functionality of the extracted proteins and
researching the molecular properties behind different function-
alities, and (4) Modifying/improving the functionality of the
extracted proteins by altering protein structure.

Detailed optimization work on a variety of species has shown us
that each species requires a special set of conditions to optimally
extract and recover functional proteins, and we are investigating
the mechanisms behind this. Using this new process we are able
to reach close to 90 percent protein recovery for certain species
from our starting raw material, which is well above that of other
processes that have been developed. More importantly, we have
found that the extracted proteins have exceptional stability and
functionality when compared with other conventional processes
used to recover proteins. Color, microbial and oxidative stability
is outstanding for the proteins extracted using high pH, which
is important if they are to find use as food or food ingredients.
Proteins extracted at low pH are however susceptible to lipid
oxidation and we are working on ways to effectively retard the
oxidation. The extracted proteins are also found to have superior
functional properties compared to fish proteins extracted by other
means, and thus can be used effectively as functional ingredients
in several seafood based systems. The extracted proteins have
**i..~ .iii1 ,-better gel-forming abilities compared to proteins
extracted by conventional means. We have found that the high
pH extraction process positively modifies the structure of the
proteins which explains their improved functionality. One of the
most **i i i iii recent discoveries we have made with the isolated
proteins is that they have exceptionally good water-binding prop-
erties and can be incorporated into seafood muscle based systems
to effectively prevent water-loss and improve quality. The control
of water in muscle food products is of enormous importance to
the fish industry, and is primarily done with the aid of phosphates
and salt. These pure extracted fish proteins are able to economi-
cally substitute phosphates, giving the processor not only seafood
products with exceptional water binding and quality but also a
better label and at the same time gives the processors the capabil-
ity to utilize their byproducts. By systematically manipulating the
conditions the proteins are extracted at, we have been able to not
only influence what proteins are extracted but also induce differ-
ent structural alterations in the muscle proteins. This has

Hordur Kristinsson

86 I 2004ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTforthe FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

FOOD SCIENCE & HUMAN NUTRITION

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

enabled us to modify and even further improve the functional-
ity of the extracted proteins. We have also recently started to use
enzyme technology to hydrolyze the extracted proteins to make
fish protein hydrolysates of variable peptide makeup, depending
on the enzyme used and reaction conditions. We have found that
some of these peptides have high bioactivity and may find use as
bioactive functional ingredient in nutraceutical food applications
or as ingredients to stabilize foods against lipid oxidation.
This work is expected to lead to better utilization of seafood
byproducts and increase the availability of quality protein from
aquatic resources. This research is also expected lead to the com-
mercial development of fish proteins as economical and competi-
tive ingredients for a variety of seafood product applications.
Currently this protein extraction technology is being tested on a
commercial scale and is expected to improve the bottom line of
seafood processors and make them more competitive on not only

TITLE
Zinc Metabolism and Function in Animal Systems
Strawberry Cultivar Development
Immunomodulation by Dietary Factors
Biotin Metabolism in a Rat Model of Sepsis
Postharvest Quality and Safety in Fresh-cut Vegetables and Fruits
Phytochemical and Quality Assessment of Fresh and Processed Fruits and Vegetables
Phase Variation and Expression of Capsular Polysaccharide in VibrioVulnificus
Conditionally Essential Nutrients in Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition
Genetic Effects on Folate-Dependent One-Carbon Metabolism
High Hydrostatic Pressure to Improve Quality and Safety of Seafood from Tropical/
Subtropical Regions
Adding Value to Tropical Fruit: Techniques to Increase Bioactive Phytochemicals
Improving the Safety of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Advancing the Capacity of PHT for Processing Safe Oysters in Florida

Nutrition, Immune Function, and Clinical Outcome
High Pressure Dependence of Compressibility, Density, and Viscosity of Model Food Systems
Assessing the Use of Carbon Monoxide and Filtered Smoke on the Safety and Quality of
Seafood Products
High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Processing of Tropical and Subtropical FruitJuices
Production of High-value Functional Protein Isolates from Underutilized Tropical and
Subtropical Fish Species and Byproducts
Enhancing Bioactive Phytochemicals in Fresh and Processed Guava (Psidium Guajava)
Health Benefits of Red Muscadine Wine
Optimizing Health with Folate and Related Nutrients Throughout the Lifespan
Oyster Post Harvest Treatments (PHT) for Processing in Florida

Southern Region Program to Clear Pest Control Agents for Minor Uses

Tailoring the Physical and Functional Properties of Muscle Proteins by Different Acid
and Alkali Unfolding and Refolding Strategies
Southern Region Program to Clear Pest Control Agents for Minor Use

Regulation of Capsular Polysaccharide and Virulence in Vibrio
Vulnificus R/14-q-27

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 91

FACULTY

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AMOUNT

Rutgers State University

Rutgers State University

Rutgers State University

North Carolina State Univ.

North Carolina State Univ.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Dept. ofAgricul. & Consumer Ser.

Dept. ofAgricul. & Consumer Ser.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Food and Drug Administration

Interstate Shellfish San i. Conf.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Dept. ofAgricu[. & Consumer Ser.

National Safety Associates

North Carolina State Univ.

Syngenta
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Dept. ofAgricu[. & Consumer Ser.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

U.S. Dept. of Commerce

U.S. Dept. of Commerce

47,723

57,600

153,500

32,255

4,821

1,270,880

50,000

24,000

374,145

17,000

417,923
90,000

75,000

373,310

10,000

76,590

45,649

25,000

134,827

35,900

15,000

12,000

260,000

128,700

49,958

SITUATION: Forests cover one-third of the world's land area and
provide a range of goods and services including timber and non-
timber products, clean water, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration,
microclimate amelioration, recreation and biodiversity. Demand
for these goods and services is increasing; yet, the area of forests to
meet these needs is decreasing. For example, in Florida the forested
area per capital has dropped from four acres per person in 1960 to
one acre per person today. Each year, 40,000 acres of forested land
are being lost in Florida, mostly to urbanization. In some locations,
urban sprawl is causing fragmentation of forests, reducing their
ecological value. Further, timberland ownership patterns and land-
owner objectives are changing rapidly in response to changes in tax,
legal and economic issues.
With all of the challenges facing the world's forests, it is impera-
tive that we embrace and foster all types of forests to provide, in
total, the complete range of ecological, economic and social goods
and services. For example: (1) Native forests and protected ar-
eas conserve inherent species' richness and genetic diversity; (2)
Second-growth working forests provide jobs, homes and products;
(3) High-yield plantation forests help meet demand for timber and
paper products; and (4) Urban forests and those on the wildland-
urban-interface ameliorate microclimate and provide recreational,

aesthetic and psychological benefits; and (5) Agroforests, which
combine trees and agriculture, provide multiple benefits to the land-
owner and can mitigate environmental impacts.
RESEARCH RESPONSE: The School conducts research that gener-
ates new knowledge to meet society's needs for sustainable manage-
ment and conservation of forests and related resources at the state,
regional, national and international levels. Four focus areas are:
(1) Forest systems biology from the molecular to landscape scales;
(2) Human dimensions broadly defined to include social sciences,
economics, recreation (photograph), management, utilization and
policy related to forest resources; (3) Agroforestry and tropical
forestry spanning diverse settings such as silvopastures in Florida,
home gardens in Africa and working forests in the Amazon; and
(4) Urban forestry and the wildland-urban interface with programs
aiming to enhance existing urban forests and mitigate the effects of
urban sprawl into rural forests.
Our goal in all of these research areas is to address complex, real-
world problems affecting the world's forest resources. Due to the
complexity, most research projects are multidisciplinary efforts in-
volving collaborative efforts of School scientists with those of other
universities, private companies and research organizations.

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 93

SIGNIFICANCE: Agroecosystems, especially small-scale produc-
tion systems in the southeastern United States, are challenged
as never before with natural resource management problems.
According to USDA Census of Agriculture (2002), 88 percent of
farms in Florida are considered small farms (annual sales less than
$250,000), 84 percent of which are individually or family owned;
but they constitute 56 percent of total agricultural income in the
state. Similarly, out of the 6.6 million hectares (16.3 million acres)
of forestlands in Florida, 52 percent are non-industrial private
lands. Clearly, small farms and timber operations are **..1 -1, ,I i
drivers of the state's economy. These small-scale operations are
under increasing pressures if not threats caused by various
changes. The increasing impact of a rapidly urbanizing landscape
on the wildland-urban interface creates .**i-ii iii changes in
ecosystem characteristics such as increased fire danger, changes in
water drainage patterns leading to soil erosion and flooding, and
fragmentation of wildlife habitat. Agricultural non-point source
pollution is a significant cause of stream and lake contamina-
tion and prevents attainment of water quality goals in the Clean
Water Act. The problem of phosphorus (P) loss from soil is a
major concern in fertilized agricultural and forestry enterprises,
particularly in coarse-textured, poorly drained soils of the south-
east, where drainage water ultimately mixes with surface water.
The potential for P loss from fertilized pastures resulting in water
quality degradation is a particularly serious issue. Faced with these
consequences of rapid land-use changes, the small-farm com-
munity of the Southeast is under pressure to adopt land manage-
ment practices that are economically and ecologically sustainable.
Integrated systems such as agroforestry that provide economic
advantages of diversified production as well as ecological benefits
of mixed systems seem appropriate in this scenario.
RATIONALE: Today there is a growing body of knowledge on
agroforestry and an increasing awareness about its potential as a
land management approach throughout the world. Agroforestry
research in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation
got a boost with the establishment of the Center for Subtropical
Agroforestry (CSTAF) in 2001 from a four-year $3.92 million
USDA/CSREES/IFAFS grant (http://cstaf.ifas.ufl.edu). The Center
is a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional entity for undertaking
research, extension, and education in agroforestry.
IMPACT: A comprehensive CSTAF "white paper" has established
the scope and role of agroforestry in the region (http://cstaf.ifas.
ufl.edu/whitepaper.htm). Silvopasture the integration of trees
with forage and livestock is the most prevalent form of agrofor-
estry in the region. Available information suggests that silvopas-
ture is an ecologically sustainable and environmentally desirable
approach to mitigating the problem of nutrient pollution resulting
from beef-cattle pastures. For example, silvopasture can minimize
nutrient losses from the soil (because of enhanced nutrient uptake
by tree and crop roots from varying soil depths compared with
more localized and shallow rooting depths of a monoculture),
and thus enhance water quality. Also, in locations where the water
table is high and the likelihood of losing nutrients via surface and

subsurface drainage is greater, the lowering of the water table by
trees could result in less nutrient loss via surface and subsurface
drainage. Research is still under way and more evidence is needed
to fully support these hypotheses.
Carbon sequestration and wildlife habitat improvement are two
other major ecosystem services of agroforestry systems. These
benefits are public goods. Ranchers and other landowners have
very little motivation to consider these services in their produc-
tion decisions, unless these services are internalized through
compensation policies. Internalizing the externalities implies that
ranchers would pay for the negative social costs of phosphorus
runoff and would receive payments for the positive social benefits
of carbon sequestration. In doing so, silvopasture could become
financially competitive and environmentally sustainable relative
to traditional cattle ranching. Currently we do not have adequate
information on this important issue from different ecoregions.
Other CSTAF results include development of the Southeastern
Agroforestry Decision Support System, a web-based tool that will
assist in planning and tree/shrub selection, with data for 12 Flori-
da counties; quantification of tree-crop interactions in alley crop-
ping systems of loblolly pine, longleaf pine, and pecan, with cotton
as the understory species; estimation of tree survival, wood yields,
commercial value of 13 year-old south-Florida slash pine, cattle
and goat production, and forage yield in a silvopastoral system in
Central Florida; and possible use of agroforestry techniques such
as organic and conventional till alley-cropping for improving the
economic viability of organic farming.
These and other aspects of agroforestry research, development,
and education worldwide were highlighted and the awareness
about them enhanced during the 1st World Congress of Agrofor-
estry organized by UF/IFAS in June-July 2004 in Orlando, Florida
(http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/wca/). A declaration adopted by
more than 500 delegates from 82 countries who participated in the
congress underscored the role of agroforestry in land manage-
ment and environmental sustainability and called for "increased
investments to support research, technology development, and
extension to improve the integration of agroforestry with broader
natural resource and watershed management efforts."

COLLABORATORS: CSTAF is a multi-institutional, multidisci-
plinary center for undertaking research, education, and exten-
sion in agroforestry. Its activities include research, extension, and
education projects that are carried out in collaboration with 40

researchers from UF/IFAS (Gainesville, Ona, and Milton), Florida
A&M University, Auburn University, University of Georgia, and
the University of the Virgin Islands.

FACULTY & STAFF

FACU LTY

Timothy L. White

Janaki R. Alavalapati

Loukas G. Arvanitis

Michael E. Bannister

Grenville Barnes

George M. Blakeslee, Jr.

Douglas R. Carter

Wendell P. Cropper, Jr.

John M. Davis

Bon A. Dewitt

Mary L. Duryea

David W. Gibosn

DudleyA. Huber

EricJ. Jokela

Karen A. Kainer

Matias Kirst

Alan J. Long

Timothy A. Martin

Martha C. Monroe

Ramachandran P.K. Nair

Gary F. Peter

Donald L. Rockwood

Robert A. Schmidt

Scot E. Smith

Wayne H. Smith

Gregory Starr, Jr.

Christina L. Staudhammer

Taylor V. Stein

Sarah W. Workman

Daniel J. Zarin

TITLE

Direct or and Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Prof. Emeritus

Research Asst. Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Prof. and Assoc. Director

Assoc. Prof.

Asst. Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Asst. Dean and Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Assoc. In

Prof.

Asst. Prof.

Asst. Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Asst. Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Distinguished Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Prof.

Prof. Emeritus

Assoc. Prof.

Prof. Emeritus

Res. Asst. Scientist

Asst. Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Vis. Asst. Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

SPECIALTY

Quantitive Forest Genetics

Natural Resource Policy/Administration

Biometrics

Agroforestry

Land Tenure/Cadastral[ Property Systems

Forest Health

Economics/Management

Biological Process Modeling

Forest Biotechnology

Photogrammetry/Digital Mapping

Reforestation and Urban Forestry

Geomatics

Forest Genetics

Silviculture

Tropical Forestry

Quantitative Genetics

Forest Operations and Environ. Regulations

Tree Physiology

Natural Resources Education

Agroforestry

Plant Genomics

Forest Tree Improvement

Forest Pathology

Remote Sensing/GIS

Forest Soils & Ecology/Biomass

Ecophysiology

Biometrics

Ecotourism/Recreation

Agroforestry

Tropical Forestry

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 95

nistration of Mclntire-Stennis Funds and Projects
standing the Benefits of Nature-based Tourism and Recreation in Florida
sis of Forest and Natural Resource Policy Issues
opment and Evaluation of Integrated Agroforestry Systems
fishing a Center for Subtropical Agroforestry

gy and Management of Tropical Forests
nd Urban Interface: Risk Mitigation and Technology Transfer
rop Diversity and Enterprise Development Through Agroforestry: A Participatory
y and GIS-based Analysis in the Virgin Islands
ular Biology of Forest Trees
Productivity, Health and Sustainability

perative Multicultural Scholars Program in Natural Resources and Forestry between
a A&M University and the University of Florida
Discovery for Genes Controlling Economic Traits in Loblolly Pine
-economic Impacts of Forest Land Ownership and Management Patterns at the
nal[ Level
rowing Forest Tree Management Systems for Florida and Similar Areas
itative Genetics and Tree Improvement of Southern Pines
gy and Community-based Management of Neotropical Forests

100 I 2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

FACULTY

SOURCE OF FUNDS

AMOUNT

13,500
56,000

10,000

3,913,984

15,000

2,400

60,000

25,000

8,000

10,913

32,000

179,550
13,000

30,000

269,000

105,000

226,000

10,000

10,000

99,000

10,000

15,000

470,000

50,000

641,607

11,610

The University of Florida Herbarium is an integral unit in the
Department of Natural History of the Florida Museum of Natural
History. Personnel and students from various University of Florida
departments work and conduct research collaboratively in the
herbarium. There are 7 faculty and staff, 10 graduate students and 2
research associates housed in the herbarium. In addition 5 under-
graduate students are employed part-time as specimen preparators
and 6 volunteers actively work with our programs. An additional
11 faculty and staff and 6 graduate students from closely affiliated
departments regularly utilize herbarium facilities. Herbarium staff
manages the day-to-day operations in support of faculty, staff,
student, visitor and inter-institutional activities. The Institute of
Food and Agricultural Sciences provides financial support for these
operations.
Plants are essential resources, providing food, medicine, shelter,
oils, dyes and a myriad of other products. Herbarium programs, in
parallel with the overall function of the Florida Museum of Natural
History, strive to provide a structure for communicating about and
understanding the natural world. The herbarium's mission has four
areas of focus: plant collections acquisition and care, research based
on the collections, education, and public service. Our activities are
dedicated to understanding, preserving and interpreting biological
diversity.
COLLECTIONS ACQUISITION AND CARE: The herbarium collection
consists of nearly 500,000 specimens and is growing by around 3,000
specimens per year. Specimens are acquired through fieldwork,
exchange from other institutions, the plant identification service and
gifts. Each specimen requires individual preparation prior to being
added to the collection. Data from each specimen is entered into
the computerized catalog that is available on the web for search-
ing at: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herbarium/cat/. High-resolution,
zoomable images of selected specimens are also provided. Inter-
institutional specimen loans are shipped and received to facilitate
plant monographic studies, revisionary studies and flora projects by
researchers at the University of Florida and other Florida, national
and international herbaria. 5665 specimens were processed in 141
loan transactions during the year 2004.

COLLECTIONS-BASED RESEARCH: The research emphasis of the
herbarium is plant systematics and floristics. Major research projects
in 2004 have been in molecular and morphological systematics of
Orchidaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Apocynaceae, Melastomataceae, and
Polygalaceae. Researchers are working on the floras of Florida and
the New World tropics. The herbarium collection and library also
serve as a resource for research in the fields of agronomy, anthropol-
ogy, conservation, ecology, entomology, forestry, landscape archi-
tecture, plant p II.. .._-- environmental horticulture, soil science,
wildlife ecology and zoology.
EDUCATION: Class tours introduce students to the resources and
services available at the herbarium. Techniques for specimen preser-
vation and herbarium management are taught. The herbarium web
site provides information and links on specimens, collections, plant
collecting, herbarium practice and legal issues.
PUBLIC SERVICE: The principal public service activity of the her-
barium is provided through the Plant Identification and Information
Service. Researchers and the network of Cooperative Extension
Service agents submit requests for identification and information.
Proper plant identification is crucial for plant care, weed control, re-
search, and for an understanding of potential hazards (toxicity). The
staff of the herbarium assists in providing such types of information
as scientific names and authors for cultivated plants, weeds, and na-
tive species, their common names, range, specific locations, dates of
flowering, and possible human and animal toxicity.
Researchers, students and the general public also have access to
the herbarium's non-circulating reference library. The literature in
this collection contains descriptions, illustrations, photographs,
geographical ranges and keys for differentiating species of plants, as
well as information regarding Latin plant names (nomenclature),
plant collectors and economic botany. The herbarium staff provides
assistance to visitors in the use and understanding of the library sub-
ject matter. The herbarium library catalog is available through the
State University System of Florida library catalog and on the web at:
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herbarium/lib/.

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 101

NrIVERSITYOF UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA HERBARIUM,
FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

2004 Annual Research Report
for the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

UF HERBARIUM, FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

FLORISTIC INVENTORY OF KANAPAHA BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Floristic Inventory of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens was
initiated in early 2002 by the University of Florida Herbarium,
Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida Librar-
ies Digital Library Center, Florida Center for Library Automation,
and Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. The goal of the project is to
document the native, naturalized, and cultivated vascular plants
growing at the gardens.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (KBG) is a 62-acre display facil-
ity, along the southern margin of Lake Kanapaha in Gainesville,
Florida, developed and maintained by the North Florida Botanical
Society, Inc., a private nonprofit organization. Don Goodman, Di-
rector of KBG, began development of the site in 1978, and it was
formally opened to the public in October 1986. The garden derives
its name from its proximity to Lake Kanapaha. The word Kanap-
aha is formed from the Timucua Indian words for "palmetto leaf"
and "house" and taken together refer to the Indians' thatched
dwellings formerly on the western shore of Lake Kanapaha.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is comprised of collections of
cultivated plants bordering calcareous woodlands, prairies and
a fluctuating lake. The garden includes an impressive display of
bamboos, herb garden, colorful hummingbird and butterfly gar-
dens, palm hammock, succulent plant rock garden and water gar-
den developed in collaboration with Gainesville Regional Utilities
to provide a public demonstration of reclaimed water use. Visitors
are particularly drawn to "signature plants" such as a premier
stand ofwong chuk bamboo, Asian snake arums and, during the
warmer months, the giant hybrid Victoria water lilies. Summer
is the most colorful season when the hummingbird and butterfly
gardens and vinery are at their peak. Azaleas, camellias, ornamen-
tal cherries and Japanese magnolias are also enjoyed in the spring
as harbingers of the Spring Garden Festival in late March.
S. Barry Davis, an Herbarium staffmember and coordinator for
this project, is preparing and identifying specimens of preserved,
pressed plants for each species found. Sets are being deposited at
the University of Florida Herbarium and at the Kanapaha Botani-
cal Gardens. Additional specimens will be prepared for distribu-
tion to experts when assistance or verification of identifications
is needed. All specimen data and images are accessible at the
University of Florida Herbarium web site.
A crew of staff and volunteers are working on aspects of this
project. Don Goodman and the KGB staff facilitate access to the
gardens and help locate particular plants. Kent Perkins, Herbar-
ium Collection Manager, manages specimen accessions and the
herbarium's web site. Kathy Davis, Pat Carlysle, Rebecca Bennett
and other herbarium technicians prepare specimens for the col-
lections. Kathy Davis and the Digital Library Center staff produce
digital images of the specimens. Marybeth Rinzler, KGB Facilities
Coordinator, is working on public outreach projects.
Representative specimens of each species found growing in the
garden are preserved in flat, dry sections. Specimens are placed
in folded newspapers between blotters and cardboards in a plant
press that is put on an electric drier with good airflow and low
humidity. Data on the plant's size, habit, distinguishing features,
habitat and locality, including GPS coordinates, are recorded for
labels. The collections are identified using available literature
and by comparison with collections in the University of Florida
Herbarium. Specimens are preserved by affixing them with an ac-
companying label to a sheet of heavy, archival paper.
The specimens collected serve as vouchers and may be exam-
ined by researchers to verify the identity of the plants named in

the study. Duplicate vouchers may be distributed as gifts for deter-
mination to experts, who are the most knowledgeable in the plant
group. Vouchers are important because changes in plant classifica-
tion result in shifts in species alignments, groupings and identifi-
cations. Voucher specimens help cross-reference these changes to
previous research and may be utilized in future research.
An inventory of the KBG flora will empower its staff to make
plant selections to enhance the diversity of the garden. The speci-
mens serve as an historic record of the species and varieties being
grown with dates of flowering and fruiting. Other useful informa-
tion such as plant health and survival can be determined through
the specimen data. Knowledge of the documented occurrence and
spread of invasive or weedy plants may help eradication efforts.
The public will benefit through improved garden signage with
correct plant names. For many people from school children to
senior citizens, a setting such as KBG is their first opportunity to
see plants in natural settings and at natural stages of life; other in-
stitutions display live plants only when they are flowering. Proper
identification at all stages of growth is only possible because
identification has been made and documented.
Web pages and databases developed in this project provide
plant scientific names, common names, searchable label data, and
high-resolution specimen images. These materials can be used for
scientific and educational purposes by a broad consumer cross-
section, including, homeowners, horticulturalists, ecologists, and
other persons interested in plant recognition and identification.
In the past three years over 1000 plants have been pressed, most
in duplicate and some in triplicate where expert identification is
needed. Six hundred twenty species and cultivars have been iden-
tified, mounted, imaged and are now available on the herbarium's
Web site.
The comprehensive species list will be presented in a checklist
of plant families, still under development. This checklist will be
co-authored by Dr. Walter S. Judd and published in a scientific
journal as the final report for the project.
WEB SITES: Floristic Inventory of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens:
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herbarium/kanap/ Kanapaha Botani-
cal Gardens: http://www.kanapaha.org/

S. Barry Davis

102 I 2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

Vascular Plant Systematics; Florida and West
Indian Floras; Generic Flora of the Southeast-
ern United States Project
Herbarium Accounting and Record Manage-
ment; Library Acquisitions and Cataloguing
and Management
Systematics and Pollination Biology of
Orchidaceae

RESEARCH PROJECT

PROJECT NO. AUTHOR TITLE
HRB-04170 Williams, Norris H., Perkins, Kent Computerization and Digitization of the University of Florida Herbarium

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 105

AMOUNT

$403,433

$1,800

$25,000

$300,000

$10,802

The Horticultural Sciences Department, a unit of the Institute of
Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, has statewide
responsibilities for undergraduate and graduate instruction and
for Cooperative Extension activities. Research responsibilities are
shared with faculty assigned to several Agricultural Research and
Education Centers and Agricultural Research Centers. Statewide
research is coordinated, and overall research planning is the respon-
sibility of the Chair of the Horticultural Sciences Department. Co-
operative research with faculty from other on- and off-campus units
is essential to serve the complex Florida fruit and vegetable industry
and to develop an extensive fruit and vegetable crops information
base.
Any organization whose primary interest is in fruit and/or
vegetable crops can exist only as a part of agriculture the only
fundamental or primary occupation. Without plant life there could
be no agriculture, and the systematic production and utilization of a
major group of plants a keystone of agriculture. The purpose of the
Horticultural Sciences Department is to develop, evaluate, assemble,
maintain, and disseminate the knowledge necessary to ensure that
this keystone remains strong, dynamic, relevant and intact. The size
and diversity of the domestic industry and the world-wide impor-
tance of fruits and vegetables in human nutrition and economic
development emphasize the need for consolidation of resources to
accomplish this purpose into a single department. The Horticultural
Sciences Department assumes this role of coordinating the search
for and application of special knowledge from many disciplines.
GOALS: Goals of the department must be consistent with the
basic role of agriculture, reflect the needs of a changing world
environment, and represent an enduring quality. The goals of the
Horticultural Sciences Department are:
1. TEACHING To develop undergraduate students with a scientific
understanding of fruit and vegetable production, handling,

storage and marketing. To develop graduate students who have
the basic scientific knowledge to teach effectively, do .!,uoi i-, 1
research and to consult with the industry. To make a continu-
ous concerted effort to attract and maintain qualified teachers
for all of the undergraduate and graduate (Horticultural Sci-
ences) programs and to take positive measures to recruit and
train the best possible students at both levels for their future
careers in industry, business, research, or extension.
2. RESEARCH To solve immediate technical problems facing the
fruit and vegetable industries. To develop new information,
materials and techniques to increase the efficiency of produc-
tion, harvest and postharvest handling. To develop basic infor-
mation on the genetics, growth, development and senescence
of these crops through a continuous reservoir of research in
breeding and genetics, biotechnology and molecular biology,
biochemistry, and '1- ..-i-1.. -l .i is at the forefront of knowl-
edge applicable immediately or in the future.
3. EXTENSION To develop and disseminate recommendations to
the commercial fruit and vegetable industry based on research
results. To develop and disseminate recommendations to home
gardeners and youth organizations.
4. INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS Through the Office of Inter-
national Programs, to assist in disseminating knowledge of
technology to developing countries, aiding in solving problems
in their industries, and teaching their students.
The Horticultural Sciences Department in Gainesville has devel-
oped various centers of excellence in several research disciplines that
include molecular and cellular biology, breeding and genetics, physi-
ology, postharvest physiology, and culture and management. Details
of programs under each of these areas, as well as Faculty involved
are available on our Web site at http://www.hos.ufl.edu/.

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 107

2004 Annual Research Report
for the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

IDENTIFICATION OF GENES CONTROLLING TOMATO FLAVOR

Research efforts initiated in the laboratory of Harry Klee in
the Horticultural Sciences Department, IFAS/UF, are helping to
develop tools that may lead to a better tasting tomato. Using the
modern molecular techniques commonly referred to as genomics
and metabolomics, the first genes involved in synthesis of com-
pounds that contribute to overall flavor have been identified.
Generally, most consumers feel that the flavor of fresh super-
market tomatoes does not approach that of home-grown variet-
ies. In recent years, many of the breeding companies have begun
to appreciate that flavor is an important trait and varieties with
better flavor may give them a marketing edge. The problem is that
"flavor" is a highly complex trait regulated by literally hundreds
of genes. Thus, one does not simply go out and identify a tomato
with great taste. Tomato flavor consists of a complex interaction
between sugars, acids and a set of 20 or more volatile compounds.
While breeders have paid attention to the sugars and acids, the
volatile compounds have been largely ignored. Yet these are the
molecules that give tomato its distinct flavor and aroma. Despite
their recognized importance, very little is known about their syn-
thesis and the genes that regulate their accumulation.
The Klee lab initiated the molecular aspects of this project
as part of a collaboration with Jay Scott, the tomato breeder in
Horticultural Sciences, and Elizabeth Baldwin a USDA re-
searcher in Winter Haven. This early work was made possible by
an endowment from the Dickman family, noted for their long
involvement in the Florida tomato industry. More recently the
project has expanded into a major collaborative effort to cata-
logue the genes involved in synthesis and accumulation of the
twenty most important volatiles. The approaches have involved
the latest molecular biology techniques as well as more traditional
biochemical techniques. The Klee lab has established a collabora-
tion with Jim Giovannoni in the USDA/ARS laboratory at Cornell
University to catalogue expression of over 10,000 genes expressed
during tomato fruit ripening. Together, the UF and USDA groups
are cataloguing the patterns of gene expression, correlating these
patterns with the accumulation of the various volatile compounds
and building computer databases to uncover the genes regulating
their synthesis. Already, 14 genetic loci affecting various volatile
compounds have been identified and the first two genes in path-
ways for synthesis of volatiles have been isolated.
In collaboration with Don McCarty, also in Horticultural Sci-
ences, the Klee lab has also been using more directed approaches
to gene identification. These two groups have identified a family
of genes that break down the carotenoid compounds lycopene and
beta-carotene to release several important volatiles. These carot-
enoid-derived volatiles are very important contributors to flavor
having fruity/floral properties (Simkin et al. The tomato CCD1
(CAROTENOID CLEAVAGE DIOXGENASE 1)) genes contribute
to the formation of the flavor volatiles p-ionone, pseudoionone
and geranylacetone. Plant J. 40: 882-892). In the course of char-
acterizing these genes, they also uncovered evidence for a new

class of carotenoid-derived plant hormones. The as yet unidenti-
fied hormone controls the ability of the plant to make branches.
This exciting and unexpected result points the way toward future
manipulation of plant architecture (Booker et al., MAX3/CCD7 is
a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase required for synthesis of a novel
plant signaling molecule. Current Biol. 14: 1232-1238)
Work being conducted in parallel with David Clark in En-
vironmental Horticulture indicates that many of these same
flavor volatiles are also important constituents of aroma in many
ornamental species such as petunia and rose (Simkin et al. Circa-
dian regulation of the PhCCD1 carotenoid dioxygenase controls
emission of p-ionone, a fragrance volatile of petunia flowers. Plant
Physiol. 136: 3504-3514). For example, the major constituent of
rose flavor is a compound called 2-phenylethanol. In selecting
for larger, more colorful flowers over the years, the natural rose
scent has been lost from many of the commercial varieties. With
the isolation of the genes encoding 2-phenylethanol synthesis, it
should now be possible via biotechnology to replace the lost scent,
giving added value to the product.
It is clear that there is strong support for this research in both
the public and private sector. To understand the complexities
of tomato flavor has required a multilab interdisciplinary effort.
The work has been funded by a grant from the National Science
Foundation Plant Genome program as well as several of the major
tomato seed companies. In the near future, it is hoped that this
work will assist breeders by providing tools for them to select
higher levels of the desirable volatile compounds and lower levels
of the undesirable volatiles. In the longer term, as the many genes
S..,iii..hlli, ilihm synthesis are isolated, it should be possible to
create transgenic designer fruits that have improved flavor that
will hold up to postharvest storage and shipping as well as flowers
with improved scent. For example, it should be possible to pro-
duce beautiful, long-lived roses that actually smell the way a rose
should smell. Many of the chemicals targeted by this program also
contribute to the flavor of other fruits and vegetables. Thus, it can
be expected that this work will provide a foundation for quality
improvement in many crops important for Florida agriculture.

108 I 2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES

FACULTY & STAFF

FACU LTY

Daniel J. Cantliffe

MarkJ. Bassett

Jeffrey K. Brecht

JoseX. Chaparro

Carlene A. Chase

Christine D. Chase

Kenneth C. Cline

Rebecca L. Darnell

Frederick S. Davies

Thomas R. Dreschel

James J. Ferguson

Robert J. Fer[

Kevin M. Folta

Larkin C. Hannah

Andrew D. Hanson

Donald J. Huber

Chad M. Hutchinson

Eileeen A. Kabella

HarryJ. Klee

Karen E. Koch

Paul M. Lyrene

Donald R. McCarty

Gloria A. Moore

Annalisa Paul

Balasubramani Rathinasabapathi

Sanja Roje

Steven A. Sargent

Paul C. Se[nke

Andrew M. Settles

Eric H. Simmone

William M. Stall

Denise M. Tieman

Carlos E. Vallejos

Jeffrey G. Williamson

TITLE

Chair and Prof.

Prof.

Prof.

Asst. Prof.

Asst. Prof.

Assoc. Prof.

Prof.

Prof. and Assoc. Chair

Prof.

Assoc. Scientist

Prof.

Prof. and Asst. Program
Director

Asst. Prof.

Prof.

EminentScholar

Prof.

Asst. Prof.

Asst. Prof.

EminentScholar

Prof.

Prof.

Prof.

Prof.

Asst. In

Asst. Prof.

Asst. In

Prof.

Asst. In

Assistant Professor

Asst. Prof.

Prof. and Asst. Chair

Asst. In

Assoc. Prof.

Prof.

SPECIALTY

Seed Physiology

Common bean genetics/snap bean breeding

Postharvest Physiology

Breeding and Genetics

Weed Physiology

Molecular Biology

Cell Biology, Biochemistry

Physiology and Biochemistry

Environmental Physiology of Citrus

Molecular Biology

Commercial Citrus Production

Biological Sciences

Genetics, Molecular Biology

Molecular Biology of Maize

Metabolic Engineering

Fruit Ripening

Alternative Vegetable Crops

Cucurbit Breeding and Genetics

Molecular Biology

Molecular Biology

Blueberry Breeding

Molecular Genetics

Citrus Genetics

Biological Sciences

Plant Physiology

Metabolic Engineering

Postharvest Technology

Biological Sciences

Plant Molecular Biology

Vegetable Production

Weed Science

Molecular Biology

Genetics, Molecular Biology & Physiology

Deciduous Fruit Industry

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION I 109

Development and Use of Crop Models for Selected Florida Crops
Nuclear Genes Regulating Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Function in a Maize Model System
Development of Snap Bean Varieties and Genetic Investigations in Common Bean
Microirrigation Technologies for Protection of Natural Resources of Natural Resources and
Optimum Production
Postharvest Quality and Safety in Fresh-cut Vegetables and Fruits
Targeting and Assembly of Thylakoid Membrane Proteins
ImprovingSoil[ and Nutrient Management Practices in Florida to Minimize Environmental
Impacts
Intron Enhanced Gene Expression in Maize
The Arabidopsis GF 14/14 3-3 Family: Structure and Function
Breeding, Genetics, and Ecology of Florida Blueberries
ImprovingWeed Management in Horticultural Crops: Biological, Physiological, and
Biochemical Approaches.
Transgenic Plant Biomonitors of Spaceflight Exposure
Functional Genomics of Endosperm Development in Maize

Deciduous and Subtropical Fruit Crops Cultivar Development
Environmentally Sound Off-season Production of Raspberry in the Tropics and Subtropics

Extending Postharvest Quality of Specialty Tomatoes in the Caribbean Region

Integrative Use of Perennial Peanut for Cost-effective Weed Control in Organic Citrus

Folate Synthesis, Catabolism, and Engineering in Plants
Development of Plant Pathogens as Bioherbicides for Weed Control
Enhanced Product Quality and Productivity of Vegetables Through Sustainable Protected
Agriculture Utilizing Reduced Pesticides
Identification, Characterization, and Molecular Tagging ofa Gene for Resistance toA[[
Tomato Races ofXanthomonas
Vegetable Variety Evaluation in Florida
Development of New Potato Clones for Improved Pest Resistance, Marketabilitym and
Sustainability in the Eastern United States
Functional GenomicAnalysis of Fruit Flavor and Nutrition
Shelf Life Extension of Intact and Fresh Cut Tropical Fruit with 1-meth[cyclopropene
Galia Melon: A New High QualityShipping Melon for Florida Producers
Resistance to Citrus Tristeza Virus via Gene Silencing and Plant Resistance Genes
Environmental Physiology and Management of Subtropical and Tropical Fruit Crops in Florida

Characterization of Light-Sensing Pathways in Plants
Regulation of Photosynthetic Processes
Development of Molecular Tools for Improvement of Octoploid Strawberry
Environmental and Genetic Determinants of Seed Quality and Performance

110 I 2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

The research mission of the Department o01, i !..i ..i..- and
Cell Sciences is the pursuit of fundamental research regarding basic
life processes. Some of the results of the research have immediate
applications while other findings may not be reduced to application
for some time. Whatever the case, fundamental research is the foun-
dation upon which all applied applications are built. The Florida
Agricultural Experiment Station is somewhat unique in that a basic
research unit is a part of its organization. This provides an advantage
to applied researchers in IFAS because close linkages and collabo-
rations are possible within this structure, and it greatly enhances
information and technology transfer, and the time required for
application of basic information is greatly shortened. The research
faculty has been quite successful in obtaining extramural funding
for project support. At the end of 2004, there was approximately
$5,500,000 of active grants and contracts in place. Although these
projects primarily involve faculty members of the Department of
Microbiology and Cell Sciences, there are also collaborations with
researchers in the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Center for
Particle Science and Technology, Horticultural Sciences, Entomol-
ogy and Nematology, Soil and Water Sciences, and Chemistry at the
University of Florida. And there are linkages with Michigan State
University, Oakland University, and the University of North Texas.

The Department has a major teaching component, and the
breadth of the curriculum has influenced the expertise of the re-
search faculty; most faculty members are engaged in both research
and teaching. Departmental research is concentrated mainly into
one of two areas; microbial biochemistry and immunology. How-
ever, some faculty members do not fit into either of these categories.
A major area of research deals with production of fuel alcohol and
other useful chemicals from biomass using genetically modified
microorganisms. Six researchers conduct research in some aspect
of host-resistance to microbial disease. There are other important
projects that affect bovine brucellosis (Bang's disease of cattle), food
safety, and environmental impact of viruses and bacteria.
The research accomplishments of the Department are dissemi-
nated largely by publication in refereed national and international
journals. Communication via conferences, scientific meetings, and
seminars is also an effective means of sharing our research accom-
plishments with peers, and other interested parties. The accomplish-
ments of the research program benefit the citizens of Florida, and
they also have national and worldwide effects.

2004 ANNUAL RESEARCH REPORTfor the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION 117

2004 Annual Research Report
for the FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

MICROBIOLOGY & CELL SCIENCE

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

REPLACING PETROLEUM WITH FUEL ETHANOL AND CHEMICALS
MADE FROM CROP RESIDUES

SIGNIFICACE: Over 3 billion gallons of ethanol are currently
made from corn starch in the U.S., approximately 2 percent of
total U.S. automotive fuel. In gasoline blends, ethanol serves as a
fuel extender, an oxygenate to improve air quality, and to increase
the octane rating. Over 55 percent of the petroleum needed each
year is imported, an amount roughly equivalent to that used as
automotive fuel and the single largest item in our national trade
imbalance. By utilizing. .. iili. _l.'r -developed in part at
UF-IFAS, it should be possible to replace up to 20 percent of the
imported petroleum with renewable fuels and chemicals made
from municipal and agricultural biomass residues.
Technology is currently available to convert the carbohydrate
polymers in woody biomass (cellulose and hemicellulose) into
sugar syrups that can be fermented to ethanol and other chemi-
cals as replacements for imported petroleum. This conversion
to sugars involves both cooking with dilute acids and treatment
with microbial enzymes. Early studies at UF developed the first
biocatalysts that can efficiently convert all of the different sugars
in woody biomass into fuel ethanol, and more recently developed
additional biocatalysts that produce a variety of single chemicals
as products. These new processes are projected to be competitive
with petroleum and have been licensed for commercialization.
Pilot plants are currently operating in Jennings, LA and Tokyo, Ja-
pan. The first large scale biomass to ethanol plant (over 20 million
gallons per year) is projected to begin operation in 2007.
RATIONALE: By the end of 2005, U.S. production of fuel ethanol
from corn starch is projected to exceed 4 billion gallons per
year. Technology developed at UF can be used produce an equal
amount of fuel ethanol from the inedible corn stems, leaves
and cobs. In combination with other undervalued agricultural
materials (beet pulp, rice hulls, sugar cane bagasse, peanut hulls,
orange pulp, forest residues, etc.) and woody waste (construction
waste, residential green waste) now buried in landfills, it should
be possible to replace up to 20 percent of the imported petroleum
with renewable products such as ethanol, biodegrable plastics, and
solvents.
Research at UF-IFAS is currently focusing on improvements
in the biocatalysts and processes that can reduce the capital and
operating costs of manufacturing renewable chemicals. Cost
areas of current focus include developing novel biocatalysts that

function optimally under more extreme conditions (acid environ-
ment, elevated temperatures) than yeast currently used for ethanol
production from starch. Additional studies are investigating the
enzymatic mechanisms and genes concerned with the depolymer-
ization of carbohydrates in biomass into soluble sugars by natural
organisms, and including some of these traits in biocatalyst that
produce ethanol, lactic acid, and other chemicals.
With industry collaboration, additional research is optimiz-
ing aspects of chemical processing to facilitate the most efficient
biological fermentation, to minimize the cost of nutrients, and
to identify market uses for co-products from biorefineries using
woody biomass.
IMPACT: The development of new manufacturing in the U.S. to
produce fuel ethanol from woody biomass waste will provide new
employment, stimulate the economy, reduce our dependence on
foreign imported oil, improve air quality, and reduce the problem
of solid waste disposal. Additional products such as biodegradable
plastics and solvents can also be produced from woody biomass as
alternatives to petroleum-based products.
COLLABORATORS: This work is being carried out at the Uni-
versity of Florida by a collaborative group of faculty including
Dr. Julie Maupin-Furlow, Dr. James F Preston, Dr. K. T. Shan-
mugam, Dr. Shengde Zhou, and Dr. Greg W. Luli (Vice President
for Research, B.C. International, Dedham, MA). Support for this
research is provided by funding from the Department of Agricul-
ture, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Biotechnolo-
gy Research and Development Corporation, Consortium for Plant
Biotechnology Research, and by B.C. International LLC.